Join now

Bulletproof – The Event Every Agency Owner Can’t Afford to Miss

2026 marks the third post-COVID edition of the Bulletproof Agency Network conference, and this year, we’re raising the bar.

We’re heading back to the stylish surroundings of VOCO Manchester for a day designed to challenge your thinking, sharpen your strategy, and reconnect you with what makes agency life exciting in the first place. Expect bigger conversations, deeper insights, and more meaningful connections than ever before.

The theme for 2026 is “Pitch to Partnership.”

Because winning work is only the beginning. The agencies that truly thrive are the ones that know how to turn a single opportunity into a long-term, high-value relationship. This year is about mastering that transition – from proposal to partnership, from project to profit, from client to collaborator.

Let’s be honest: running an agency can feel relentless.

You’re balancing delivery and growth. Managing people and expectations. Navigating uncertainty while trying to stay commercially sharp and creatively relevant.

Bulletproof exists for that reality.

Imagine spending a day surrounded by people who genuinely understand the pressures you’re facing, leaders who’ve made the mistakes, solved the problems, and discovered what actually works. Not theory. Not fluff. Real-world strategies, honest conversations, and practical ideas you can take back and apply immediately.

That’s the difference.

Bulletproof isn’t just another conference.

It’s a reset button for ambitious agency owners who want more. More clarity, more confidence, and more control over where their business is heading next. 

Meet this year’s lineup of industry experts

This year’s conference features an outstanding lineup of speakers who’ve mastered the art of scaling businesses, leading teams, thriving through challenges and building resilient agencies.

Keynote speakers include:

Trenton Moss

Founder of Team Sterka, he puts his agency’s success down to one thing, making everyone a leader.

Katie Bolas

Ex-agency leader turned Fractional Operations Director, who helps agencies succeed by fixing the operational issues that drain profit and frustrate teams.

Claire Richardson-Critcher & Steve Byrne

Co-Founders of As The Crow Flies, they are renowned for their ability to cultivate powerful, sticky habits that create proper confidence when forecasting New Business.

Hosting the event is Dan Archer of Suprpwr Consulting, he’s all about helping businesses make marketing their Superpower.

And it’s not just the keynote talks. Attendees will dive into specialist-led sessions packed with legal, financial and insurance insights designed for the unique challenges of creative and digital agencies.

Experts such as Steve Kuncewicz (Glaisyers), Paul Barnes (MAP) and Michael Henderson  (Riskbox) will be sharing their insights to help future-proof your agency.

 Bulletproof isn’t just a conference, it’s a community.

This isn’t just a day of learning, it’s your chance to meet other agency owners who truly get what you do, swap stories, celebrate wins and lessons and walk away with connections that last long after the conference ends.

Grow Your Agency, Support Your Community

Bulletproof 2026 isn’t just about learning and growing your agency, it’s about making a real impact while you do it. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to 2 incredible local charities: Forever Manchester & Barnabus , so you can level up your agency while giving back to the community.

Join the Leaders Shaping the Agency World

After last year’s amazing day, demand is already high for Bulletproof 2026, so don’t miss your chance to be part of a day that will leave you inspired, connected and ready to take your agency to the next level.

Grab your ticket here & join us on the 7th May for an unforgettable day.

Web developers, digital innovators and tech professionals are gearing up for the sixth annual Umbraco Spark innovation conference, returning to Bristol this spring at We The Curious on Friday 20 March 2026. Organised by Bristol digital agency Gibe Digital, the event has become a fixture for developers from across the UK and Europe to share insights, ideas and practical knowledge around the open‑source Umbraco CMS and broader .NET ecosystem

Speaking about the conference, Steve Temple, Technical Director and Co‑founder of Gibe Digital, describes Spark as “a calendar highlight” that brings together “so many talented developers from the amazing Umbraco community.” Steve adds that the event leaves attendees “feeling inspired, armed with fresh knowledge to take your Umbraco projects to the next level.”

This year’s programme features a single main track of deep‑dive technical talks, practical demos and forward‑thinking sessions on topics such as load‑balancing for scalable apps, Umbraco Search, next‑generation back‑office features, and experimenting with AI‑driven accessibility tools.

Schedule Highlights:

Thursday, 19 March – The day before the main conference kicks off with a full-day Hackathon & Package Jam for the community, followed by a pre-party at a local game bar with ping pong, bowling, karaoke, food and drinks.

Friday, 20 March – A Harbour Run at 7 AM starts the day, followed by registration with coffee and pastries. The main track runs 9 AM–5:30PM, featuring technical talks, lightning sessions and demos. The Package Awards celebrate standout contributions, and the day wraps up with an after-party. Attendees also benefit from lunch, refreshments, a free cloakroom, and quiet/multi-faith rooms to support wellbeing.

Tickets & Pricing: Standard tickets cost £150 + VAT, available until the end of February or until sold out. Grab your ticket here.

Umbraco Spark continues to cement Bristol’s status as a hub for creative tech events — combining local community energy with the global expertise of the Umbraco ecosystem.

Last week, the Gather Round at Brunswick Square was buzzing. A packed room, a hum of anticipation, and a palpable sense that something meaningful was about to unfold as we kicked off the third year of our award-winning series, Gather Round Presents.

From the very first moment, the evening invited us into stories that stretched beyond words on a page. Our panellists didn’t just tell stories: they cracked them open. Stories of human understanding, our relationship with the world around us, and the narratives we carry about ourselves and others. Together, they explored how the past can be re-examined, reshaped, and used to imagine new futures and how powerful it feels when those stories land.

Sara Joyner, Senior Podcast Producer, opened the evening and wasted no time pulling us in. What began with a slightly shocking story instantly had the room leaning forward, unsure where it might lead. But that uncertainty quickly turned into delight as Sara revealed her craft with warmth, humour, and total ease.

With sticky notes representing three characters in an upcoming podcast, Sara physically rearranged the facts in front of us, showing, in real time, how a story can be subtly shaped. Laughter rippled through the audience as she explained, with playful honesty, how she “manipulates” the listener.

As the audience was invited to guess where the story was heading, there was a collective realisation: context is everything. By withholding or revealing certain details, a story and a person can be perceived in entirely different ways. Sara’s delivery was disarming and deeply engaging, leaving us entertained, slightly unsettled, and newly aware of how easily we’re led… often without noticing.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn or check out her web page for more info on her work.

Dan Caulfield, Film Director and Storyteller at Enviral, followed and had us hooked within seconds. He began with what felt like a deeply emotional story: a grieving father, a lost child, and an epic journey born of love and loss. The room softened.

And then, laughter erupted.

The characters were revealed to be Marlin and Nemo. Pixar, of course. A collective groan, smile, and appreciation washed across the room.

He wasn’t done yet. The second story, a tender, hilarious retelling of a tale once told to him by his Irish grandad in a pub, had us in stitches. Dan described piecing together meaning from thick accents, facial expressions, and half-heard words, transporting us back to a time when storytelling was something you felt as much as heard.

Behind the humour was something deeper. Dan spoke passionately about the ancient tradition of oral storytelling and the responsibility of keeping it alive. Though he works in marketing, this wasn’t a sales pitch. It was human.

Stories, he reminded us, exist everywhere across cultures, languages, and generations. They shape who we believe we are. They can fuel fear… or they can bring us together. As the laughter settled, the room grew reflective. Dan invited us to consider the stories we tell ourselves about identity, worth, and belonging. Food for thought that lingered long after he left the stage.

Follow Dan on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn to see more of his work.

Ghostwriter and part-time stand-up comedian Nick Anderson Vines carried us into the first break and promptly had the room roaring. Sharp, self-aware, and genuinely funny, Nick brought a different energy while still keeping storytelling firmly at the centre.

He spoke about how he works LinkedIn with refreshing honesty, unpacking how to attract clients while still telling meaningful stories. When ChatGPT entered the scene in 2023, Nick admitted it shook the writing world fear, uncertainty, and the sense that everything might change overnight.

But then came the shift. Opportunity. A return to craft. Writing more. Writing better.

Nick’s passion was contagious. In a fast-moving digital landscape, he argued, stories are what stops the scroll. They’re what make us care. Using the pull of before and after, and reframing narratives with intention, Nick left us laughing — and quietly fired up to rethink how we tell stories online.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn to hear more about his work.

Rosa ter Kuile, known as RTiiiKA, gently reset the room as the only visual artist on the panel. Her presence felt grounding, inviting us to slow down and see stories differently.

Rosa spoke about storytelling beyond words: through murals, characters, and playful alter egos. From the giant foyer mural at Bristol Beacon to the personas she created and played in videos to tell her story – ‘Grinder Guy’ and her ‘own agent’. She showed how storytelling can be both strategic and deeply personal and sometimes with a touch of humour. These characters, she explained, often became the most compelling part of her work — a way to narrate process, vulnerability, and creativity in real time.

As Rosa shared the recurring themes that shape her art: sexuality, falling in love, road signs, bikes (and more) the message became clear: stories exist everywhere. Some shout. Others whisper. It’s up to us to notice them.

Follow Rosa on Instagram to see more of her creations or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mark DeLisser stepped onto the stage and immediately stilled the room opening with a poem from his new book, Ashes to the Breeze.

Mark spoke about his deep relationship with the natural world, and the idea that while he writes stories, often as poems, he is also being storied. By landscapes. By relationships. By life itself. There was a quiet reverence in his words as he described knowing he is part of something far bigger, a story that began before him and will continue long after.

He spoke of listening to the body while writing, noticing moments of tightening, softening, longing — and allowing those sensations to guide the words. Poetry, he said, comes from slowing down and noticing, not forcing meaning into existence.

Sharing two poems: Your Name and The Stories We Tell.  Mark echoed something Dan had said earlier: the importance of telling stories about what we want to be true. Stories that interrupt the constant stream of horror and remind us of other ways of living. In that moment, it felt like the room was breathing together inspired, hopeful, and deeply moved.

You can buy Mark’s book Ashes to the breeze in Waterstones.

And follow him on Instagram to hear more of his beautiful words.

With just 24 hours’ notice, Kendra Futcher OG Cigar Factory member closed the evening, and what a closing it was. Ever-eloquent, deeply present, and emotionally generous, Kendra held the room with quiet power.

A self-described writer, thinker, and noticer, she spoke about paying attention to the smallest details: the inflection of a voice, a texture, a sound, the scrunch of a nose. This practice of noticing, she shared, became vital during Covid a way to stay alive to the world and to herself.

Kendra spoke about vulnerability as the beating heart of storytelling. Emotional honesty, she reminded us, is what truly connects people. Words can divide but they can also unite.

She spoke of her collection of photographs from protests placards filled with raw, urgent language that has so inspired her. She shared two poems with us –  the first, Monobrow, about her daughter, silenced the room completely. It was her first time reading the poem aloud, and the moment felt sacred. You could feel the tears, the tenderness, the shared humanity.

For Kendra, truth is freedom. And that, she believes, is the essence of storytelling.

Follow Kendra on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn or have a look at her website to read more about her many skills.

Our beautiful event space at Brunswick Square is available for hire, email Hannah on [email protected] for more info and come and host your event at our place!

Follow us on Instagram for more stories from our creative community and if you want to come and join us, we’re currently offering 30% off for 3 x months if you join before 28th February 2026,more info on our offer page.

Kendra Futcher on stage at Gather Round

As proud members of Bristol Creative Industries, Bristol24/7 would like to extend an invite to fellow BCI members to their upcoming Bristol Legends event at Ashton Gate on 6th March. This is a new initiative to celebrate the city and raise vital funds for independent journalism, social impact projects as well as for AntiBanquet and the work they do to tackle food insecurity in the city.

Bristol Legends will be an incredible celebration of Bristol’s culture, creativity, innovation, positivity and its many incredible communities. It will feature a three-course dinner from Josh Eggleton, the AntiBanquet team and other top Bristol chefs; a very special award show hosted by Jayde Adams; some amazing Bristol performers; and quite a few surprises along the way. The room will be full of 750 people from Bristol businesses and beyond, including some of the city’s leaders in culture, innovation, sustainability, community and beyond.

Bristol24/7 are now looking to engage individuals and businesses who are in a position to take tickets or a table at the event or to donate tickets or table to those who can’t afford to attend. We’re delighted to be able to offer a discount on full tables for BCI members. Please get in touch will [email protected] if you’d be interested in joining us. In the true spirit of collaboration, members may like to come together and purchase a combined BCI table or two…

The awards show will be followed by a party in a transformed concourse which will include some truly legendary Bristol bands and djs, a full spectacular show from the Invisible Circus set to a live musical score, holograms of local heroes of the past and a very special guest. Separate tickets for the Bristol Legends Party can be purchased here.

A legendary evening awaits…

 

 

Introducing Gather Round’s New Year Offer*

Are you a freelancer working from home craving some connection? Or are you a small creative business already at a co-working space but in need of a change? Become a member at Gather Round in Bristol or Bath before Feb 28th and you’ll get 30% off your membership for 3 x months. Interested? Get in touch with one of our community managers to book a tour.

More than a co-working space, Gather Round is a thriving creative community. Our members are frequent collaborators – it’s what happens when you bring people in the same industry together. Creativity at Gather Round takes many forms, from designers, copywriters, and illustrators to developers, tech innovators, and even a cartographer. Together, they inspire, challenge, and support each other, making every day at Gather Round a spark for new ideas. It’s a place where connections turn into projects, and ideas turn into reality.

*Offer available until 28th February 2026.

‘We want you to see firsthand the positive impact a creative community can have, not just professionally but beyond work too.’

Jason Smith

Gather Round Co-Founder

Packed member events calendar

We’ll be continuing our monthly member events into 2026, including family breakfasts, campfire talks, group coaching, and yoga. This month, we’re also launching two new members only events: Community Sessions and Member Mics!

Community Sessions are relaxed, monthly get-togethers with other members in your space. Think drink-and-draws, board games, picnics, or maybe a trip to the pub. It’s a chance to get to know your fellow members and connect over some snacks and a few drinks (if you fancy). This month to kick it off we’re taking all our members to the pub, first round is on us!

Next week, we’ll be hosting our first ‘Member Mic’ event. Member Mic gives our members the chance to share what they’re working on with fellow creatives – showcasing wins, getting feedback on tricky projects, or help others with theirs in a relaxed, supportive session. It’s in moments like these when collaborations are born.

Our buzzing events are free for all members, included in all membership packages. Alongside the extra-curricular fun, members also enjoy a wide range of discounts with local independent partners such as Pizzucci, Bosco, Soul Spa, and British Blankets. It’s just one more way Gather Round sets itself apart from other coworking spaces.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a small creative business looking for an inspiring place to work, we offer a range of membership packages – including part-time and full-time options, fixed desks, and private studios. Get in touch with our community managers to book a tour. We’d love to meet you.

Terms and conditions apply to the 30% offer, see full details on this page.

Terms & conditions:

Thanks to all the love and support from our amazing community, we have been named the 8th best workspace in the UK by the 2025 Tallys, and the highest ranked workspace in the South West.

All there is to say is thank you. To our members, our supporters, our incredible team, and to everyone who makes Square Works what it is.

When we started Square Works way back in 2019, we could never have imagined the amazing community we would build over the years – to be ranked so highly amongst many other incredible workspaces across the country is a privilege, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

To find out more about The Tallys and why Square Works has been ranked #8 in the UK, click the link below.

FIND OUT MORE

Here are 10 things you might not (but definitely should) know about Square Works…

1. Square Works is housed in a Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse

Square Works is tucked inside a beautifully preserved Georgian building on Berkeley Square – one of Clifton’s most iconic addresses. From the outside, it’s all Bristolian charm; inside, it’s a thoughtfully designed, modern workspace filled with art, natural light, and sleek interiors that blend heritage with contemporary flair.

2. It’s the only co-working space in Bristol with a private members’ club

Square Works is part of The Square Club, a private members’ club for creatives and professionals. This unique connection gives you access to exclusive events, industry talks, and a stylish bar and restaurant. Even better? You can order restaurant-quality food and have it delivered right to your desk.

3. You can work from a ‘Secret Garden’

Hidden behind The Square Club is a tranquil terrace that’s the perfect spot for a quiet call, an al fresco meeting, or just soaking up the sun with your laptop and a coffee in hand.

4. The events calendar is packed – and many are free for members

From creative breakfasts to pitch nights and Friday Pilates, Square Works hosts regular events to help members connect, grow, and get inspired. It’s networking without the awkwardness – and you never know who you’ll meet over coffee.

5. Members get 24/7 access — yes, even on Sundays

If you have an office or a Dedicated Desk at Square Works, you’re not limited to the standard 9 – 5. Whether you prefer early mornings or late nights, you gain access 24/7 so you can work when it suits you – even on weekends and Bank Holidays.

6. There’s a curated art collection

Art is part of the Square Works experience. You’ll find pieces from local and UK-based artists throughout the space – creating an inspiring, gallery-like atmosphere. Plus, head next door to The Square Club for the latest seasonal installations.

7. Memberships are built for flexibility

Whether you’re a freelancer, founder, or part of a growing team, Square Works has an option for you – from hot desking to private offices. You can scale up, scale down, or shift between spaces as your needs change, without being locked into a long-term lease.

8. Unlimited refreshments and weekly ‘Square Works Nibbles’

Members enjoy unlimited, high-quality coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more. But the real treat? Every Wednesday, the in-house chef surprises members with freshly made sweet or savoury bites. It’s the perfect midweek pick-me-up.

9. Dog-friendly work space

Square Works welcomes well-behaved dogs – because work is better with a furry friend nearby. It adds to the relaxed, homely atmosphere and means you don’t have to leave your pup behind when you’re working long hours.

10. It’s a true community – not just a desk

What sets Square Works apart is the atmosphere. Whether you’re chatting in the kitchen, attending an event, or collaborating on a project, you’re not just renting a desk – you’re joining a supportive, inspiring community of creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

To book a tour of Bristol’s Best Workspace, get in touch with us today via:

E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 0117 322 6635
Enquiry Form: Contact Us

Or, if you’re in the area, feel free to pop in and chat with our friendly team!

If you you missed the October offer at Gather Round, fear not – this November, for BCI members only we’re extending the ‘First month free’ discount!

Our BCI offer is available across all Gather Round locations and all membership packages. Whether you’re curious about Part Time or Full Time Flexi memberships, or prefer a fixed desk with Flexi Plus, or if you are looking for a studio for your team, we’d love to show you around.

Our co-working spaces at Brunswick Square, Trinity Church and Cigar Factory each have their own unique energy – but it’s the community that truly makes them special. Collaborations between members happen daily, just by bringing creative minds together.

Created by creatives for creatives, Gather Round is more than a co-working space, it’s a growing network of like-minded professionals who go to work every day and sit, write, design, consult and hang out. Soaking up the energy, passion and positivity from the ideas and expertise of others.

For more info on the different options, book a tour – we’d love to meet you.

Terms & conditions:

  • This offer is for new membership sign-ups and applicable on the following membership packages across all locations: Part-time Flexi, Full-time Flexi, Flexi Plus, Resident and Studio memberships. The first month free offer does not apply to Virtual and Virtual Plus memberships.
  • New Part-time Flexi, Full-time Flexi, Flexi Plus and Resident members need to sign up for a 3 month minimum term and they’ll receive their first FULL month for free. After the 3 x months contract switches to the standard 30 x day rolling contract.
  • New Studio members need to sign up for a 12 month minimum term and they’ll receive their first FULL month for free.
  • For members starting mid month, the first invoice will be charged pro-rata.
  • Contracts have to be signed between the 1st to 30th November 2025 and start dates specified between 1st November to the 31st December 2025.
  • The offer is issued only once the contract is signed and deposit received.
  • Flexi Plus, Resident and Studio Memberships only: includes 4 x hours of free access to our Production Spaces each month as part of the first month free offer. Please note that our production spaces are located in Brunswick Square, Bristol only. Bookings need to be made in advance via our Events Manager.
  • This offer cannot be used retrospectively. The dates specified above apply.
  • Gather Round Limited reserves the right to revoke the offer and/or to update the terms and conditions at any time. Final qualification for the offer is at the Community Manager’s discretion.
  • This offer cannot be applied to previous memberships or contracts, is non-transferrable, has no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer.

EDIT: Tickets flew out in just a few hours, email [email protected] to put your name on the waiting list.

We’re so excited to be back at Brunswick Sq on 25th September for the next instalment of Gather Round Presents. Our free event series aimed at giving something back to the amazing community of creatives that we’re so lucky to be a part of in the South West. We’ll have delicious free pizza from Pizzucci, a fully stocked bar plus some other freebies to give away on the night.

This time around we’ll be looking at all of the incredible benefits nature gives us, creatively, physically, mentally. Creative By Nature will bring you insights from a curated panel of experts across the nature and wellbeing space. You know we like to keep things honest & low key, so expect some free-flowing conversations and gems of advice to help you feel more connected. As always there’ll be plenty of time to meet and chat with other like-minded creatives! So, who’s on the panel…

Jeffrey Bowman – Brand & Creative Director

Based in the Lake District, Jeffrey is a Brand & Creative Director and is an active participant in shaping outdoor culture today, authoring the industry defining books The Outsiders (2015) and The New Outsiders (2019) – his career has been shaped by his love of nature and spending time outside.

With over a decade of experience working in-house as CD at Millican backpacks, to more recently setting up his own studio in 2022 – working with brands like Bergahus, Osprey and Atom Packs. With a deep understanding of brand culture, outdoor and lifestyle consumers and creative storytelling, Jeffrey has collaborated with brands who want to change the world. His mission is to encourage others to spend more time outside so that we form a deeper connection to the world around us and the place we call home.

Leanne Anyinsah – Founder, Soul Trail Wellbeing

Leanne’s relationship with nature has always been special, bringing peace, connection and joy to her life. During lock down whilst struggling with her own mental health, nature helped Leanne reconnect with herself. As a therapist, she naturally wanted to share the benefits she found during this time, with others. Knowing the huge lack of representation and barriers to nature-based support, she launched Soul Trail Wellbeing CIC – a non profit organisation aimed at improving nature connection, health and helping to make the outdoors more inclusive by offering hikes, therapeutic nature programmes and workshops. Soul Trail Wellbeing is part of the Green Social Prescribing scheme; supporting people to engage in nature-based activities to improve their mental health, physical wellbeing and reducing loneliness.

Mose-Issie, Co-Founder, Sunflower Collective

Mose-Issie is a social entrepreneur, coach and community leader passionate about providing spaces for people to develop, heal and thrive. As Co-Founder of Sunflower Collective C.I.C, a community organisation that helps young people and families thrive in nature, her work focuses on creating safe nourishing and culturally relevant spaces at the intersection of community empowerment, education and social justice. Mo’s work also expands into workshops, mentorships programmes and support for initiatives that centre the lived experiences of young Black African and Caribbean communities in Bristol and beyond.

Nature has always been a stabilising influence in Mo’s life. A place for healing, introspection and rejuvenation. She sees it as a teacher and a mirror, reminding us of the beauty of growth, rest and transition. Sunflower Collective uses outdoor spaces to foster play, creativity, wellbeing and cultural pride, whether through gardening, storytelling or just being together under the open sky.

Maria Fernandez Garcia – Founder, Healing Weeds

Maria Fernandez Garcia is an outdoor educator, student medical herbalist and nature lover. As the founder of Healing Weeds, she is dedicated to reviving traditional knowledge of wild foods and medicinal plants through learning their cultural history and spending time together outside. Although Maria’s connection to nature wasn’t always strong, over the last 10 years it has grown significantly and she now regularly finds moments of peace and stillness when outside. Being able to share different avenues with people, allowing them to experience peace and joy in nature, is something Maria holds close, in particular sharing her knowledge about wild plants.

Charlotte Horler – Founder, Nula

Over the past 12 years, Charlotte’s education and career has blended psychology, behavioural science and sustainability. She’s worked with global retailers such as Boots and ASOS, impact-led creative agencies, and pioneering founders to shift the way we feel about sustainability and embed best practices across the workforce. Charlotte moved back to the UK after living in a forest protection site in south-east Kenya for three and a half years. It was this sudden disconnection from nature and the impact it had on her mental health that sparked the idea for Nula as it is today.

Charlotte didn’t grow up especially connected to nature. It just wasn’t part of daily life in London. But living in a forest reserve, and later walking the Camino after burning out, completely shifted things. Nature’s become not only something she likes, it’s become something she needs which is at the heart of what she’s building with Nula.

Natasha Bergg – Community Arts Facilitator & Producer

Natasha is a creative facilitator and producer, working on programmes and projects that empower marginalised communities through playful participatory theatre and multidisciplinary practices. Natasha is currently part of the national engagement team at WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, and is also producing a disability-led community engagement programme for The Egg theatre in Bath, inspired by the book – The Secret Garden.

Natasha finds peace, healing and new perspectives in wild nature, and moved from London to Bristol two years ago to be closer to green and blue spaces and more easily find wide skies. She is deeply interested in how nature connection can inspire feelings of freedom, playfulness and empowerment, and is starting to explore this in her creative practice.

Natasha will be running a group version of The Artists Way by Julia Cameron from Wednesday 14th January at Brunswick Square, and will be bringing a nature-based twist to the course. If you’d like to know more about the course, sign up to our newsletter for updates!

Bonnie Middleton – Marketing Manager, Enviral

Over the past decade, Bonnie has worked with multiple B Corps, exploring how businesses across adventure, travel, and retail are driving positive impact. This experience has fueled her passion for storytelling, bringing sustainability to life and growing communities both online and in-person.

Bonnie is now the Marketing Manager (and Nature Champion) at Enviral, a creative agency on a mission to stop global yawning. Bonnie believes creativity and stories have the power to connect people to the climate crisis in a way that sparks action. Purpose and impact are at the heart of everything she does, and she’s dedicated to using storytelling to inspire change.

Bonnie grew up on the wild Welsh coastline, where her family ran an adventure business guiding people through Pembrokeshire National Park’s caves and hidden corners. Her twenties were spent chasing waves across Costa Rica, Indonesia, and beyond. These experiences deepened her love for the natural world and exposed her to both its awe-inspiring beauty and fragility. Bonnie believes that fostering pathways to nature connection is a powerful tool for change. When people feel truly connected to the natural world, they’re inspired to protect it.

We can’t wait to hear from this mega panel in a few weeks time. If you want to be a part of the magic, get your ticket here!

If you’re interested in hiring one of our spaces for an event of your own, get in touch with our Events Manager, Hannah over on [email protected]. Check out a few pictures from our previous events below!

Happy World Entrepreneurs’ Day!

The UK has experienced profound economic change over recent years which has brought challenges and new opportunities to the creative sector. As a result, many individuals have set out on the freelance and small business path for the first time.

Reasons include redundancies following the pandemic, new working relationships with employers through increased remote working and a desire to achieve a better work/life balance.

Whatever the reason to go it alone, Bristol Creative Industries (BCI) is here to give freelancers, startups and small business owners the perfect platform to share skills and build connections.

There are many benefits of a Bristol Creative Industries individual and freelancers membership. See what some members have to say below.

To meet fellow freelancers and companies that employ them, join our freelancer networking drinks on 9 September at the Square Club in Bristol. It’s free including a complimentary drink if you’re a member.

Essential to the creative community

Heather Wright, co-chair of Bristol Creative Industries, said:

“The trend in the creative sector is to have small and agile agencies relying on a bank of specialist freelance talent. We have seen the freelance sector grow year on year in the last decade.

“The benefits are that, here in Bristol, we have a huge pool of freelancers covering a spectrum of creative disciplines, from coding, filmmaking, music composition, animation, illustration, copywriting to recording and directing podcasts, to name just a few. Name a niche creative service you need for your business and, chances are, there will be someone to help right here on your doorstep.

“And these freelancers and startups are key to Bristol’s vibrant creative community; it means small businesses can use a wide range of professional creative talent. Freelancers are providing the resource of a conglomerate for the SME and Bristol Creative Industries can really help with these connections.

“All individual, freelance and startup members get a profile in our online member directory where you can showcase your work. Freelancers can also take advantage of discounted tickets to BCI events, plus the opportunity to self-publish content on our newsfeed. And don’t forget the membership perks, including restaurant offers and money off business support. The real value however is in the business connections you can make.

“But don’t take my word for it, here are a few comments from our members on their experiences.”

Carys Tait, independent illustrator and designer

“I’ve been a member of Bristol Creative Industries for a good number of years now. I joined mainly to be included in the directory, for which I think the cost as an individual is very affordable. It makes absolute sense to be listed in a directory where clients search for creatives, outside of their own sector or network.

“In terms of other benefits of membership, I have attended various events and they have been very good. These include evening drinks meet-ups and the members’ lunch.

“I’d say that as a creative freelancer in any field, joining BCI is a great thing to do if you have the chance. Additionally, the team at BCI have always been very friendly and supportive!”

View Carys Tait’s profile.

Lara Candido Porter, copywriter

“When I worked in an agency, we used the BCI member directory to find the best regional talent. I always felt that I could trust the freelancers we found there – they had an added credibility, took their specialism seriously, and added value to projects. So when I started out as a freelance copywriter I knew I had to be listed as a member myself!

“The events are also really insightful and enjoyable – members’ lunch, sketchnoting workshop, and the ‘simple tips, smart ideas’ talk with Erica Wolfe-Murray to name a few. Plus, still to this day it’s a lovely feeling to receive an email that starts with: ‘Hi Lara, I found your details via Bristol Creative Industries and…’.

“What would I say to freelancers thinking of joining BCI? To quote one of my favourite taglines: Just do it.”

View Lara Candido Porter’s profile.

Bristol Creative Industries freelance membership

Oliver Edwards, photographer

“I joined Bristol Creative Industries many years ago looking for a list of potential new clients. In my first year I got two new clients, one a national charity. Every year I regularly get new jobs via the website and these mostly turn into long term relationships. I now work with many of the major agencies in Bristol who are also members and actively involved with BCI. The work I generate covers my BCI freelance membership costs so joining was a no-brainer.”

View Oliver Edwards’ profile.

Luke Maitland, Animated Magic

“I initially joined Bristol Creative Industries as a way to network and get to know other creatives in the Bristol area. Regular members’ lunches allow members to meet, providing a friendly, informal opportunity to connect. The team running BCI are passionate about helping to support the creative community; always friendly, and they have been a great help in connecting my business with potential creative partners and business contacts.

“I believe just being part of BCI has provided my animation studio with additional credibility.

“Overall, Bristol Creative Industries is extremely well run, positive and a joy to be a part of; the membership offers amazing value for money.”

View Animated Magic’s profile.

Bristol Creative Industries freelance membership

Jenny Johnson, freelance designer

“Within two weeks of signing up I had my first enquiry from a new client”

“I regularly get contacted by new clients thanks to my listing in BCI’s member directory.  Freelance membership is great value for money!”

View Jenny Johnson’s profile.

Get noticed with a Bristol Creative Industries individual and freelancers membership

If you’re a freelancer or startup business owner and want to raise your profile to get the work you want, find out more about a individual and freelancers membership to Bristol Creative Industries

You have the option of paying a one-off annual fee of £45+VAT or a rolling subscription of £4.50+VAT per month. What are you waiting for? Sign up today and be a real part of Bristol’s creative network.

To meet fellow freelancers and companies that employ them, join our freelancer networking drinks on 9 September at the Square Club in Bristol. It’s free including a complimentary drink if you’re a member.