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 2024 including some brilliant business advice.
Here are the 30 most popular advice posts of the year. The list includes some posts from 2022 and 2023 that have continued to attract views thanks to their great tips.
Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 30 in 2025? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.
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1. Current landscape for freelancers
Written by Moxie and Mettle
Click below or read the article here.
Current Landscape for Freelancers
2. Mastering the art of pop-up experiences: A guide for experiential designers
Written by Imagineerium
Click below or read the article here.
Mastering the Art of Pop-Up Experiences: A Guide for Experiential Designers
3. Six brand strategy models for focus and structure
Written by Halo
Click below or read the article here.
6 Brand Strategy Models For Focus And Structure
4. How does Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) work?
Written by Varn
Click below or read the article here.
How does Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) work?
5. How to measure SEO success: 7 key metrics
Written by Varn
Click below or read the article here.
How to Measure SEO Success: 7 Key Metrics
6. Transferable skills in the creative sector
Written by Moxie and Mettle
Click below or read the article here.
Transferable skills in the creative sector
7. The top transferable skills in TV production
Posted by Carnsight Communications
Click below or read the article here.
The top transferable skills in TV production
8. Here are 7 steps to PR yourself
Written by Carnsight Communications
Click below or read the article here.
Here are 7 steps to PR yourself
9. Podcast vs broadcast: Spot the difference
Written by David Sheppard
Click below or read the article here.
Podcast vs Broadcast: Spot The Difference
10. PR touchpoints: what are they and why are they important?
Written by Carnsight Communications
Click below or read the article here.
PR touchpoints: what are they and why are they important?
11. Exploring experiential design trends shaping 2024
Written by Imagineerium
Click below or read the article here.
Exploring Experiential Design Trends Shaping 2024
12. Shopify for SEO: Top 10 benefits and three mistakes to avoid
Written by Varn
Click below or read the article here.
Shopify For SEO: Top 10 Benefits & 3 Mistakes to Avoid
13. What is greywashing and why is it important?
Written by OggaDoon
Click below or read the article here.
What is Greywashing and why is it important?
14. The challenges of crafting a brand story and how to overcome them
Written by Bopgun
Click below or read the article here.
The challenges of crafting a brand story & how to overcome them
15. Leveraging machine learning algorithms in a cookieless future
Written by Superb Digital
Click below or read the article here.
Leveraging Machine Learning Algorithms in a Cookieless Future
16. How organisations can build higher levels of trust
Written by Rich Roberts
Click below or read the article here.
How organisations can build higher levels of trust
17. Apprenticeships? It’s time to bust some myths
Written by Vid Communications
Click below or read the article here.
Apprenticeships? It’s time to bust some myths…
18. 5 ways AI can enhance creativity and engagement in experiential design
Written by Imagineerium
Click below or read the article here.
5 Ways AI can enhance creativity and engagement in experiential design
19. Apprenticeship: Finding your next star
Written by Vid Communications
Click below or read the article here.
Apprenticeship – Finding Your Next Star
20. A creative freelancer’s guide to a mid-year review
Written by Gather Round
Click below or read the article here.
A Creative Freelancer’s Guide to a Mid-Year Review
21. Why TikTok has to be part of your content strategy
Written by Ambitious
Click below or read the article here.
Why TikTok has to be part of your content strategy
22. Greenwashing: Walking the line between authenticity and deception
Written by OggaDoon
Click below or read the article here.
Greenwashing – Walking the Line Between Authenticity and Deception
23. SEO for beginners: Unravelling the mysteries of SEO for up-and-coming businesses
Written by BrisTechTonic
Click below or read the article here.
SEO for Beginners: Unravelling the Mysteries of SEO+ for Up-and-Coming Businesses
24. A comprehensive guide to outbound links for SEO
Written by BrisTechTonic
Click below or read the article here.
A Comprehensive Guide to Outbound Links for SEO
25. How to position yourself as an expert in your field
Written by Blog Write
Click below or read the article here.
How to position yourself as an expert in your field
26. DEI – a quick-sprint guide to inclusive brand language
Written by SIM7
Click below or read the article here.
DEI – a quick-sprint guide to inclusive brand language
27. Spring cleaning 101: how to organise your email inbox
Written by Carnsight Communications
Click below or read the article here.
Spring cleaning 101: how to organise your email inbox
28. How to write copy in the right tone of voice for your brand
Written by Blog Write
Click below or read the article here.
How to write copy in the right tone of voice for your brand
29. To B or not to B? Our journey to B Corp certification
Written by The Discourse
Click below or read the article here.
To B or not to B? Our journey to B Corp certification
30. The ultimate guide to TV advertising costs
Written by South West Film
Click below or read the article here.
The Ultimate Guide to TV Advertising Costs
Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 30 in 2025? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.
Let’s be honest, the answer to that question depends entirely on who you ask… and when you asked it.
If you’d asked that question before May 2024, you’d have gotten an answer about domain authority, keywords of all shapes and sizes and various other technical seo aspects.
After this, things got a little hazy. As you may remember, Google suffered quite a large leak of indexing data and ranking factors. There were a lot of things in there, that gave people pause for thought… and more. The big thing was E-E-A-T.
Now we’ve covered E-E-A-T, what it is and what it does extensively, so you can find out more about it here; but essentially, E-E-A-T is a trust and authority ranking from Google’s Search Quality Raters.
Now Google had been telling people for a long time that E-E-A-T was not a direct ranking factor. The information within these leaks, was quite the opposite.
E-E-A-T was far more important than people realised.
E-E-A-T Vs Ranking Factors
Before this leak many experts had extolled the value of E-E-A-T and how it can be used to build a brand – personally and professionally.
In the financial sectors, where practices and information are highly regulated, E-E-A-T is far more prolific. To the point where, we are seeing organisations with far inferior technical SEO, outperforming their competition in the SERP.
Case and point, when running the search ‘who can I go to for financial advice.’ At the time of writing, the two top-of-the-fold results, are Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper… and the latter is particularly interesting.
Digging just a little deeper into MoneyHelper, it soon becomes apparent that its ‘ranking factors’ are beyond inferior, bordering on non-existent. So why is it so high?
The answer to the question lies in the foundations of MoneyHelper itself.
It is a free-to-use resource, created by the Money and Pensions Service. A statutory organisation formed to develop and coordinate a national strategy to improve people’s financial capabilities.
This statutory obligation makes it a fundementally more trustworthy resource, in the eyes of Google.
It outranks Natwest, Which.com, any and every investment business going… and it does this because the basis of its ‘brand’ is that strong.
A societal shift in the flow of information
In recent years, our online spaces have become awash with misinformation and more sinister disinformation.
By rating the quality of the source, Google essentially inhibits the flow of what it deems to be not relevant, helpful or harmful information. Creative something not dissimilar from a backstop.
A growing distrust amongst the general public, for online information is a big factor here.
It could be a news outlet, a social media channel, or an everyday business. There is a growing level of scepticism towards what people see online. Also, it’s well known that the younger generations are far more discerning when it comes to the brands and businesses they associate with.
The knock-on effect means that people have their tribes. They know the things they like, they know the things they don’t.
Their affiliations are built more on trust, than ever before.
So, to combat this, businesses need to see their online presence not as one-dimensional. But as a multi-transactional opportunity.
Trust is (and will always be) everything
Experience, Expertise, Authority & Trust…. we’re back at E-E-A-T again.
But only briefly, and just to talk about one of those four letters.
Trust.
You can hire experience. You can train and develop expertise. Which, logically, ultimately builds authority. The more experience and expertise you have on a subject, the more authority you have on that subject. Because you have all the experts!
But trust… that’s different.
You can’t hire it, you can’t coach it…. you can only earn it. Trust and brand go hand in hand.
Ultimately, trust is built through authenticity. If your content and your communications are inauthentic, disingenuous, or outright false. Then it’s way more likely you’ll alienate your audience over time.
The knock-on effect here could be negative reviews & hostile responses, creators putting out content against your business and online community abandonment.
In turn, this translates into fewer branded searches, a damaged reputation and the loss of an existing and prospective customer base.
Whether you’re looking for a local plumber, trying to hire a lawyer or buying a pair of Air Jordans. Everyone wants the same thing.
A fair price from someone they can trust. Trust is everything!
It’s not a perfect science!
In the case of financial information, this is a clear-cut. Businesses are bound by organisations like the FSA. Therefore the information they put out, has to follow a certain set of protocols.
But there are still some areas where it’s a little murky… and consumers can get stung by ‘false brands’
The world of ticketing is where this happens quite a lot.
There are businesses out there which use black hat SEO strategies and sponsored SERP placements to game their way to the top of the search engines. So that when you search for tickets to your favourite act, they appear top…
And because consumers have been conditioned to search engines top of the fold functionality, the automatic assumption is, that if it’s top of the search, then it’s the right thing.
Because of this people have been extorted by online touts. Only to have their show tickets turn up at their door, under a different name, and printed with a face value cost that is far, far less than what they paid.
So it’s not fully perfect science. There are those out there, manipulating a false brand. But as Google’s updates broaden and deepen, we’d hope these kinds of tactics become harder to achieve.
Dovetailing brand into SEO Strategy
SEO strategy shouldn’t be just about long tail keywords and clusters.
Technical SEO is important, but so is building out content threads that show your quality and authenticity.
This can be achieved by creating valuable and trustworthy content that mirrors your values and your mission. Have the right people, speaking – or writing – on the topics they know best. But most of all make sure this comes from a place of authenticity.
Don’t veer from this path.
Focus on consistency across all your platforms. This will ultimately help you engage with your audience and build your tribe. Try to show your E-E-A-T as much as you can and where possible, lean into user-generated content as this can be a great trust signal.
Ultimately, this is about building trust… and it’s always good to remember that trust is hard earned and easily lost.
In Summary
Brand and SEO are connected. As search engines get smarter and prioritise trustworthy and authoritative sources, businesses need to focus on building a strong brand that matches E-E-A-T.
By combining brand with SEO you can have an online presence that ranks well and resonates with your audience. Remember, trust is the foundation of a brand and is built through consistent, authentic and valuable interactions with your audience.
As you go through the ever changing world of SEO, keep your brand top of mind and you’ll be ahead of the game.
If you’d like to find out more about the role of brand identity and why brand-building is a non-negotiable in 2025, download our Insight Report here: https://www.ambitiouspr.co.uk/our-insight/
Following a competitive pitch, SIM7 has been selected by SNG (Sovereign Network Homes) as a key agency on its framework to supply property branding services over the next four years.SIM7 will work in partnership with SNG’s marketing teams, providing creative, branding and design services to drive the off-plan sales of Shared Ownership and private sale homes. This work will involve branding SNG’s schemes, developing high-profile digital and OOH campaigns, and creating assets across all channels.
SIM7 will join a handful of leading UK agencies, selected to support SNG’s ambitious growth plans.
One of the UK’s largest Housing Associations, SNG will invest £9.2bn in the next decade, building 25,000 new homes – as well as regenerating estates and improving the sustainability and quality of existing homes.
Says SIM7’s Simeon de la Torre, “As an agency with extensive property sector experience, not to mention specific knowledge of the Shared Ownership market, this is a perfect partnership for us. We’re excited about working on some of the biggest schemes in the UK, and empowering property branding by delivering the effective, messaging-driven creative that we’re known for. From property CGIs and video to scheme-specific branding, we’re looking forward to capturing and conveying the essence of the new communities that SNG is building.
“SNG is one of the best names in the industry for sustainability and social value, and the SIM7 team are all keen to help SNG deliver good, affordable homes for all.”
SIM7 is an award-winning creative agency that uses language to empower design. We drive growth by creating brands, campaigns and strategy – for marketing teams around the world. Our experience in the property sector extends to estate agents, national associations, Registered Providers, mortgage brokers and more.
For more information, contact Simeon de la Torre [email protected]
Not you. Of course, we’re not talking about you! We’re aiming that one at the bot. It’s a tool. And a bloody good one. But don’t be fooled. Like a sword, you must learn to wield it, and understand when to use it. You wouldn’t use a sword for cutting bread. In the same way, AI can be a powerful instrument but it’s knowing where and when to use AI in the creative process that’s key. Read on for our take…
There’s no two ways about it, AI is not going away. It’s now part of our creative armoury. But it is NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR CREATIVES. And just before we continue, let’s get one thing straight. This is not an AI review. ChatGPT could write that for you in seconds. This is an article for humans, by a human, about the rise of AI and why human creativity is more important now than ever.
Hallelujah! Yep, that’s how you spell Hallelujah. I checked Grammarly! It’s a great time for our industry. Let’s throw another “bloody” in there. It’s a “bloody great” time for our industry.
You see, AI is a learning tool. What does that mean, I hear you ask. Well, it lives in the familiar. It spits out what it knows, what it has learned. Dave Trott (legendary Adman) was once said creatives need to know the rules, so they can break them. AI is all about the rules. Creativity, more specifically, human creativity, looks the other way. The famous levis ad campaign, ‘When the world zigs, zag’ springs to mind. Could AI have written this?
The bots are setting the bar
The bots can help us create a presentation quicker. They can give us nicer visual references, moodfilms, and even help us create a copy structure. Or if we’re clever, we can use them in our comms, like this recent Barnardos campaign. It started with a traditional photoshoot and then fed the images into a specially-built AI model alongside their childhood images to create portraits that represented stages of trauma, whilst protecting real-life cases.
But it’s important to remember, humans are still the controllers. The directors. The editors. And when it comes to “big idea” thinking, it’s our job as Creatives to beat the bots. Or your brand just ends up becoming bland.
We have feet. Bots don’t. Let’s use them (and our brains) to stand out.
Prompt vs provoke
Think of the recent Burger King post-birth “arrival” campaign. You can bet your bottom dollar ChatGPT wouldn’t have taken the brand there. That doesn’t mean you can’t use the generative AI chatbot to give you thought-starters. But know you’ve got to beat the bot. The human touch is paramount.
This author will never forget the first time it made a client cry. Happy tears that is. It was for a domestic abuse brief. Something that needed to be handled delicately. With nuanced language. And great human insight. All done with a significant amount of empathy. The script made the client feel something. They bought it in the meeting. It ran. Calls went up. And back in 2011 it made it into the coveted D&AD annual.
With AI there’s a skill to prompting, but as Creatives it’s our job to provoke and make people feel. Care about your copy, your concepts and your work, and it really shows.
Generating an ending Steve Jobs would be proud of
Steve predicted the rise of AI but the bots are not the storytellers. We are the weavers of words. The purveyors of feelings. And the narrators of the future.
Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She famously said…“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
Our humanity, and our ability to pour ourselves into our work, will always separate us from AI. Yes it has intelligence, but it’ll always be artificial.
So, use AI in the creative process wisely. Or, reach out to some humans who know how to get the best out of them. And let’s get one up on the bots.
Working closely with agencies every day, we’ve had a front-row seat to the start of one of the most significant transformations our industry has ever experienced – the transition to a world with AI. Through our recent research holding detailed interviews with 30 creative agency leaders, and working alongside more than 20 agencies in their AI journey in 2024, we’ve seen firsthand how AI is reshaping not just how we work, but what’s creatively possible.
Moving past the AI anxiety
Let’s be honest – when generative AI first emerged as a serious tool for creative work 2 years ago, many of us had concerns. Would it diminish the value of human creativity? Could it compromise the quality of our work? Will it make our hard won skills redundant? These were natural reactions. But what we’ve discovered through our research and hands-on experience is something far more nuanced: while the potential for semi-automating some tasks is there, the more impactful use of AI is as a powerful creative amplifier.
What we’re actually seeing
The most inspiring moments in our research came from agencies that have moved past the experimental phase. These AI Pioneers – about 20% of the agencies we studied – are building new ways of working that combine human creativity with AI’s ability to condense and recombine huge amounts of information to deliver more impactful results for their clients.
One agency leader put it perfectly when they described how AI allows creatives to “more easily access their creativity.” We’re seeing teams explore more creative directions, push boundaries further, and deliver higher quality work – not because AI is doing the creative thinking, but because it’s removing barriers to expression and expanding what’s possible.
The real opportunity
The efficiency gains for certain tasks are real (think content localisation, for example). But the real win for agencies is using AI to help them what they do best – strategic thinking and creative innovation. When creatives can quickly explore multiple directions and “get all of their crap ideas out quickly,” as one leader put it, they have more time and mental space for the kind of deep creative thinking that leads to breakthrough ideas.
What this means for agency leaders
From our conversations we’ve learned that successful AI integration isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about having the right approach. Here’s what’s working:
1. Skills Before Tools
The agencies seeing the best results are those investing heavily in their people. They’re equipping their teams not just with AI tools, but with the skills and confidence to work with AI as it evolves.
2. Strategic Integration
Rather than making AI a point solution for doing a handful of identified tasks, the AI Pioneers are weaving it throughout their core processes. They’re rethinking workflows, team structures, and even their business models to leverage AI’s strengths.
3. Client Partnership
The most forward-thinking agencies are bringing their clients along on the journey, having open conversations about how AI enhances their creative options and encouraging their clients to take advantage of them.
Looking Ahead
We are at the beginning of the AI transition. The agencies that will thrive aren’t those using AI to simply work faster – they’re the ones using it to push creative boundaries and deliver ideas that were previously too complex, too expensive, or too time consuming to be possible.
The future we’re seeing emerge is one where:
- Creative teams are much less limited by time or resources in their exploration, allowing them to investigate many directions simultaneously, quickly test which ones have legs, and uncover truly breakthrough ideas.
- AI tools simply become part of the ‘way things are done around here’ and seamlessly blend into the way they work
- Traditional divisions between roles become blurred as skilled individuals can work across a broader range of tasks
- Clients benefit from more innovative ideas, leading to better performing work and creating deeper engagement with their customers.
A call to action
To our fellow agency leaders: this is our moment. The technology is ready and the opportunity is clear. Yes, there are challenges to navigate – from skill development and agency growth, to client education to data privacy. But the rewards for those who get this right are many.
As the creative industry embraces AI, we’re constantly finding new ways to augment creativity and increase the value we can add to brands. But it’s not enough to just give people the tools – it’s about equipping people with the skills and confidence to work with AI as it evolves.
The question isn’t whether AI will transform our industry – it’s already happening. The real question is how will you integrate AI in a way that augments the value to bring to your clients, and aligns with your agency’s creative vision? Every agency’s journey will be unique, shaped by their particular strengths.
Moving forward
For those ready to embrace this change, the path forward is about building teams that are confident with AI, developing processes that leverage its strengths, and creating work that shows clients the enhanced value we can deliver.
The future of creativity is human + AI, and for those of us willing to embrace this change, the creative possibilities are exciting..
To dive deeper into how creative agencies are successfully navigating the AI transition, download our full report. Drawing on conversations with 30 creative agency leaders and our experience helping over 20 agencies embrace AI throughout 2024, it offers practical insights on everything from building AI-confident teams to developing new client service models. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to accelerate your adoption, you’ll find actionable strategies and real-world examples to guide your next steps.
Visit wearespark.ai to access the complete research and join the conversation about the future of creative work.
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.
Latest funding for creative businesses:
£200m South West Investment Fund
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:
- SWIG Finance for the £25,000 to £100,000 loans for the whole South West.
- FW Capital and Maven for the debt (£100,000 to £2m) and equity (up to £5m) funds for the north of the region.
- The FSE Group for the debt and equity for the south of the region.
The region is split as follows:
North of the region:
- Bristol
- Gloucestershire
- North and North East Somerset
- Wiltshire
South of the region:
- Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Devon
- Dorset
- Somerset (excluded North and North East Somerset)
The funding is split as follows:
- £11m: Smaller loans for south of the region
- £9m: Smaller loans for north of the region
- £23m: Debt for south of the region
- £19m: Debt for north of the region
- £46m: Equity for south of the region
- £38m: Equity for north of the region
- £54m: Investor reserve
Businesses can apply for funding directly to the relevant fund managers here.
Immersive Arts
A funding and support programme for UK-based artists, designed to help them develop their art by using immersive technologies. The partners of the scheme include Bristol organisations UWE Bristol, Watershed and University of Bristol.
A total of £3.6m in funding is available through three rounds until 2027. Immersive Arts expects to fund over 200 artists.
There are three strands which are designed to support artists at different stages in their creative development. Eligible artists can apply to ‘Explore’ for £5,000, ‘Experiment’ for £20,000 and ‘Expand’ for £50,000.
The round one application deadline is 2 December 2024.
More details.
Innovate UK Creative Catalyst
Businesses can apply for grants of between £150,000 and £200,000 for projects that develop new innovative products and tools for the UK creative industry.
To lead a project, an organisation must:
- be a UK registered micro or small business
- collaborate with other UK registered organisations
- fall within one of the creative industries subsectors
- involve at least one grant claiming business from outside the Greater London area
Applications open on 9 December 2024 and close at 11am on 29 January 2025.
More details.
Innovate UK Smart Grants
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25m for “game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy”.
Applications for the latest round of funding close at 11am on 25 January 2025.
More details.
Creative UK Creative Growth Finance II
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:
- bring change, disruption and new IP to the creative industries
- harness creativity with technologies and supporting businesses
- are talent led
More details here.
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)
UK research organisations eligible for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding can apply to form a community-driven research network to enhance access to culture. Funded networks will create partnerships across communities, researchers, and policymakers, to promote urban cultural renewal.
The full economic cost of your network can be up to £100,000 and AHRC will fund 80%.
The deadline for applications is 4pm on 10 April 2025.
More details.
UK Games Fund Prototype Fund
Grants for established UK-based companies with a game development project at an early stage in the pipeline.
The funding allocation has now been fully committed, but you can express interest in case any further funds are provided for projects from 1st April 2025.
More details.
National Lottery Project Grants
The fund is an open access programme for arts, libraries and museums projects.
Funding of between £1,000 and £100,000 is available.
More details here.
Developing your Creative Practice
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 up to £12,000 are available.
The latest round of funding closes for applications at 12pm on 12 December 2024. Funding decisions will be announced on 6 March 2025.
More details here.
Supporting Grassroots Music
The £5m Supporting Grassroots Music fund supports rehearsal and recording studios, promoters, festivals, and venues for live and electronic music performance.
More details.
Travelwest sustainable travel grants
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.
More details.
BridgeAI funding and support programme
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.
More details.
AI solutions to develop AI competencies in key sectors
As part of the BridgeAI programme, UK registered organisations can apply for funding of between £50,000 and £100,000 for artificial intelligence solutions to support AI upskilling in:
- construction
- transport and logistics
- creative industries
- agriculture and food processin
Applications open on Monday 11 November 2024 and close at Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 11am.
More details here.
Paul Hamlyn Foundation Arts Fund
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.
The next round of funding is open for applications from 4 November 2024 until 31 January 2025.
More details here.
Arts & Culture Impact Fund
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.
More details here.
The Elephant Trust
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.
More details here.
Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants
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.
More details here.
UK Global Screen Fund: International Distribution
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 2026.
More details.
UK Global Screen Fund: International Distribution Festival Launch Support
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 2026.
More details.
UK Global Screen Fund: International Distribution Film Sales Support
This scheme supports UK sales agents to increase their international promotion and sales of UK feature film projects.
Applications close on at 11.59pm on 31 March 2026.
More details.
Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA)
Apply for funding to form a community-driven research network to enhance access to culture. Funded networks will create partnerships across communities, researchers, and policymakers, to promote urban cultural renewal.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding.
Applications close at 4pm on 10 April 2025.
More details.
Start Up Loans
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.
More details here.
UnLtd funding for social entrepreneurs
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.
More details here.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
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.
Workplace Charging Scheme
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 2025.
More details.
Know of more funding and support for creative businesses?
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.
Is there a creative resurgence in the low carbon, green sector in Bristol and Bath? Or has it been ticking away, quietly waiting, during recent years?
Bristol and Bath have always been key cities in driving forward the UK’s green and sustainability sectors – it’s part of the region’s DNA. Yet other UK hotspots seem to have taken more of a lead in developing this most vital of economic industries. Delightfully, we have recently seen multiple announcements about Bristol and Bath businesses with insightful, clever green products and inventions. Hopefully they will go beyond Bristol PR coverage and Bristol marketing to gain awareness across the UK, and potentially further.
For OggaDoon, highlighting innovative companies like the ones mentioned here is more than just showcasing future success stories; it’s about championing the bold ideas shaping a more sustainable future. Sharing their progress and getting excited about their work can be a way to inspire others to think creatively about solutions to common issues and encourage broader support for green advancements that extend beyond Bristol and Bath.
So what has caught our eyes in the low carbon market place?
- Anaphite – 30% less carbon in their patented technology for dry coating electrodes. This is massive for the EV and other battery use industries. A simple chemistry formula in some senses for a small part but with a major impact.
- Kelpi – turning seaweed into sustainable packaging. Anyone who has been involved in the waste and recycling sector knows full well how much packaging accounts for waste levels, how hard it is to treat, and how difficult it would be for us to do without.
- Adaptavate – finally a solution to how plasterboard can be an active positively contributing material in countering carbon increases. It’s always the component parts that make the sum bigger.
- Firefly – this team have come up with a process that could be the answer to sustainable aviation fuel. The reality of us not flying is pretty remote, and if we don’t fly, our supplies will continue to. It is much needed. And may also offer a solution to our effluent problems.
We know that sustainable businesses can come from any sector, as long as they care about helping the environment and saving our planet through innovative products and services that change the way society behaves. At OggaDoon, we’re committed to amplifying voices like these and driving awareness of sustainable innovation. You can learn more about our experience in green PR and low carbon marketing on our website – or head over to our blog to read more of our takes on what’s important in the PR and marketing landscape right now.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the 2024 Autumn Budget 30 October, the first from the UK’s new Labour government. Here’s a round-up of measures and announcements relevant to businesses in the creative industries.
Describing it as a Budget “to fix the foundations”, the Treasury said “difficult decisions” had to be made “on tax, spending and welfare to restore economic and fiscal stability” to deal with a “£22bn black hole” in the public finances left by the previous government.
The announcements included £40bn in tax rises, with the big headline the increase in employer National Insurance which will add significant costs to many businesses.
We’ve listed the measures relevant to most businesses at the end of this article. Firstly, here are the announcements specific to the creative industries in the West of England region.
Continued funding for support and grant programmes
The Budget confirmed that the government will continue to fund the following creative industries programme:
- Create Growth Programme, which supports the development of creative industries businesses with high-growth potential in several English regions, including the West of England.
- Global Screen Fund, which helps UK independent filmmakers with international development and global distribution opportunities.
- UK Games Fund, which develops talent and awards grants to high-potential, early-stage video game studios.
- Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, which provides grants of up to £40,000 to grassroots music venues, recording studios, promoters and festivals to develop new revenue streams, make repairs and improvements, and enhance the live music experience.
The government said it will provide £3m in funding to expand the Creative Careers Programme, which raises awareness of career routes and tackles skills gaps in the key sector.
The Creative Industries Clusters programme, which has supported creative businesses in nine regional hubs, will continue to provide support over the next six years, with more clusters to be announced. Bristol and Bath was one of the regions supported between 2018 and 2024 through Bristol and Bath Creative R+D.
Creative industries in government’s industrial strategy
The Autumn Budget confirmed that the creatives industries is one of eight sectors of focus in the government’s vision for its new industrial strategy.
It has published a green paper and launched a public consultation. Read more details here.
Creative industries tax relief
The government said it is providing tax reliefs for the creative sector worth £15 billion over the next five years, and confirmed announcements from the previous government’s Spring 2024 Budget:
Audio-visual expenditure credit
From 1 April 2025, film and high-end TV productions will be able to claim an enhanced 39% rate on their UK visual effects costs. UK visual effects costs will be exempt from the credit’s 80% cap on qualifying expenditure, with costs incurred from 1 January 2025 eligible.
The previous government proposed that generative AI would not qualify for the additional tax relief for visual effects, but the new government has dropped that measure.
UK Screen Alliance said the move means that the UK is now set to attract an additional £175m per year of spending on VFX for film and TV, an increase of over 45%, and to create 2,800 new jobs.
Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of the British Film Commission, said:
“UK film and TV is globally admired, and a key sector driving economic growth. Our VFX sector is one of the jewels in the UK industry’s crown, with a depth of creative and technical expertise. But these are competitive times. Productions are looking globally for the best talent and incentives to guide their investment decisions.
“Any new measures must address intensifying global competition and help us put our best foot forward. Confirmation of the VFX tax credit increase doubles down on UK strengths and will drive up investment. It is not only welcome, but essential to support our sector and wider UK growth.
“We’re delighted that HM Treasury has listened to industry feedback on generative AI, and included these costs in the overall VFX tax credit enhancement. The BFC pressed for this in our consultation response and we believe this will play an important part in keeping our VFX sector future-proofed and globally competitive.”
Independent film tax credit
From 1 April 2025, UK films with budgets under £15m and a UK lead writer or director will be able to claim an enhanced 53% rate of audio-visual expenditure credit. Expenditure incurred from after 1 April 2024 on films that began principal photography on or after 1 April 2024 is eligible.
Theatre tax telief, orchestra tax relief and museums and galleries exhibitions tax relief
From 1 April 2025, the rates will be set at 40% for non-touring productions and 45% for touring productions and all orchestra productions.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“The creative industries will play a critical role in helping us turn the corner and deliver on the national missions of this government – driving economic growth into our towns and cities; drawing on the wealth of talent that exists everywhere; and flying the flag for British culture and values on the world stage.
“The chancellor’s Budget underscored just how important these sectors are going to be with funding extended for vital programmes and tax reliefs, an expansion of the Creative Careers Programme and a £25m investment in the CrownWorks Studio in Sunderland that will make the city one of the centres of our TV and film industry for years to come.
“This government recognises that for millions of people, geography has become destiny. That while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. This Budget has put the creative industries front and centre of how we write those people back into our national story and drive opportunity, jobs and prosperity into every community, in every region.”
General Autumn Budget 2024 measures of interest to the creative industries
The following are announcements not specific to the creative industries but are of interest to businesses in the sector.
Increase in employer National Insurance
To fund public services, including the NHS and education, the government will increase employer National Insurance.
The rate will increase by 1.2 percentage points to 15% from 6 April 2025. The secondary threshold, the level at which employers become liable to pay National Insurance on each employee’s salary, will reduce from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year.
Increase in employment allowance
To protest the smallest businesses from the National Insurance rise, the employment allowance will increase to £10,500 from £5,000 and be extended to all eligible employers by removing the £100,000 cap.
The government said this will allow firms to employ up to four National Living Wage workers full time without paying employer National Insurance.
Capital Gains Tax
The government will increase the lower and higher main rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to 18% and 24% respectively for disposals made on or after 30 October 2024.
Business Asset Disposal Relief, which entrepreneurs pay when they sell all or part of their business, and Investors’ Relief, which reduces CGT on a disposal of shares in a trading company that is not listed on a stock exchange, will increase to 14% from 6 April 2025, and to 18% from 6 April 2026.
Minimum wage increase
The National Living Wage for employees over 21 will increase by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour from April 2025. The government said this represents an increase of £1,400 in the annual earnings of a full-time worker
The National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds will rise by 16.3% to £10 an hour, the largest ever increase in both cash and percentage terms.
The government said that intends to create a single adult wage rate over time.
Bus fares in England
The cap on bus fares in England, due to end on 31 December 2024, will be retained until 31 December 2025, but with a 50% increase from £2 to £3.
Business rates
From 2026-27, “permanently lower” business rates rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will be introduced. The government said “this will be funded sustainably by introducing a higher multiplier for the most valuable properties, including distribution warehouses used by online giants”.
Business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England, up to a cap of £110,000 per business, due to end in April 2025, will be retained for 2025-26. However, it will be cut from 75% to 40%.
The small business multiplier will be frozen in 2025-26.
Funding and support for small businesses
The government confirmed continued funding for small business finance schemes provided by the British Business Bank including £250m in 2024-25 and 2025-26 for Start Up Loans and the Growth Guarantee Scheme. To boost access to finance for women entrepreneurs, the bank will also invest £50m into female-led funds.
The Budget confirmed that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the government’s replacement for EU funding which was due to end in April 2025, will be extended for another year but with reduced funding of £900m.
The government will also continue to fund the Help to Grow: Management course and Growth Hubs in England in 2025-26.
Government’s small business strategy
A “Small Business Strategy Command Paper” will be published in 2025 that will “set out the government’s vision for supporting small businesses, from boosting scale-ups to growing the cooperative economy, across key policy areas such as creating thriving high streets, making it easier to access finance, opening up overseas and domestic markets, building business capabilities, and providing a strong business environment”.
By Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Weston College
In the evolving landscape of workforce development within the creative industries, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Degree apprenticeships have emerged as a powerful solution, offering a unique blend of practical experience and academic learning. At Weston College and University Centre Weston, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that degree apprentices can have on businesses. Here’s why integrating degree apprenticeships into your talent strategy is a game-changer for the creative industries.
Secure the Best New Talent
In a competitive job market, securing top talent is more challenging than ever. Degree apprenticeships provide an opportunity to attract high-calibre candidates who are eager to learn and grow within your organisation. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge from their academic studies, combined with practical skills honed through on-the-job training. By investing in degree apprentices, you are investing in the future leaders of your industry.
Upskill Existing Employees
Degree apprenticeships are not just for new hires. They offer a valuable pathway for upskilling your existing workforce. Many employees have untapped potential that can be unlocked through further education and training. By supporting your employees in pursuing a degree apprenticeship, you are fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This not only enhances their skills and job satisfaction but also improves overall organisational performance.
Build a Culture of Learning and Development
A learning-oriented culture is a cornerstone of innovative and resilient organizations. Degree apprenticeships instil a commitment to personal and professional growth within your team. Apprentices bring new ideas and approaches, inspired by their academic learning, and share this knowledge with their colleagues. This creates a dynamic environment where learning is valued, leading to increased engagement and retention.
Reduce Recruitment Costs
The traditional recruitment process can be costly and time-consuming. Degree apprenticeships provide a cost-effective alternative by allowing you to train and develop talent tailored to your specific business needs. Apprentices are often more loyal to the organizations that invest in their development, reducing turnover and the associated recruitment costs. Furthermore, you can evaluate an apprentice’s fit within your company culture and operations throughout their apprenticeship, ensuring a smoother transition to a permanent role. Also, we do all the advertising, shortlisting, and recruitment support for your vacancies – saving you time and expense.
Maximise Government Funding
One of the significant advantages of degree apprenticeships is the availability of government funding. This financial support can substantially offset the costs of training and development. By leveraging these funds,
you can invest in your workforce without straining your budget. It’s a smart financial decision that benefits both your business and your employees.
Meeting the Demand
Weston College and University Centre Weston offer a diverse range of degree apprenticeships tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses, including those in the creative industries. Our programs include:
- Digital and Technology Solutions: Equip your business with experts in software development, IT consultancy, and network engineering.
- Digital User Experience (UX): Enhance your digital presence with specialists in user-centred design and usability testing.
- Project Management: Streamline your operations with skilled project managers adept at planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently.
Attracting the Best: The Appeal of Degree Apprenticeships
There is a growing trend among students to choose degree apprenticeships over traditional degrees. This pathway allows them to avoid substantial tuition fees and student debt while gaining practical experience and earning a salary. As a result, employers have the opportunity to access ambitious, motivated individuals who are eager to start their careers sooner. By offering degree apprenticeships, you can attract the cream of the crop—talented individuals who are ready to contribute to your business from day one.
A Proven Pathway: From T Levels to Degree Apprenticeships
We are seeing a growing trend where employers begin by offering T Level student placements, which involve 315 hours of work experience annually, before progressing these students to degree apprenticeships. This approach allows employers to identify and nurture talent early, providing a seamless transition from education to full-time employment. It’s a strategy that not only ensures a steady pipeline of skilled workers but also strengthens the bond between the employer and the apprentice.
Speak to Us
Investing in degree apprenticeships is a strategic move that delivers long-term benefits for businesses. By securing new talent, upskilling existing employees, fostering a culture of learning, reducing recruitment costs, and making the most of government funding, you position your business for sustained success. We are committed to supporting businesses in unlocking their potential through our comprehensive T Level and Apprenticeship programs.
Discover how degree apprenticeships can transform your business. Learn more about our offerings here or give us a call at 01934 411594 or email [email protected].
The creatives industries is one of eight sectors of focus in the government’s vision for its new industrial strategy.
Publishing a green paper and launching a public consultation, the government said the strategy’s aim is to “drive long-term growth in key sectors that is sustainable, resilient and distributed across the country”.
In their foreward, chancellor Rachel Reeves and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds say:
“There is rapid change in the global economy, and the case for governments to roll up their sleeves and shape markets rather than step back in the face of these challenges is stronger than ever. To capture the growth the UK so desperately needs, we need a modern industrial strategy to share in the next decade’s growth opportunities.
“This industrial strategy will provide a launchpad for businesses. It provides the firm foundation for investment that businesses have told us they need. This government believes it is our role to provide the certainty that inspires confidence, allowing businesses to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.”
The eight sectors the government will focus on are:
- advanced manufacturing
- clean energy industries
- creative industries
- defence
- digital and technologies
- financial services
- life sciences
- professional and business services
Summarising the UK’s creative industries, the green paper says:
“The UK’s creative industries are world-leading, showcasing the best of its creativity and culture to the world. According to UN Trade and Development, the UK is the third largest creative services exporter behind the US and Ireland, worth $87 billion in 2022. Globally, 1 in 10 songs streamed are from the UK.
“The UK is a global centre for screen production, with £4.23 billion in production spend in 2023, of which 78% was from inward investment. According to the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, the creative industries accounted for 67% of the UK’s digital exports in 2021.
“The sector is expected to grow worldwide, creating further growth opportunities. The sector is highly innovative, attracting significant inward investment and producing goods and services that are world renowned. PwC estimates that the global entertainment and media sector will grow to $3.4 trillion by 2028. Half of global trade is expected to be digital by 2050.
“To enable growth in the sector, the government will leverage UK creative industries’ global comparative advantages by unlocking private investment, boosting exports, and developing its highly skilled workforce. The government needs to ensure that the UK sector remains globally competitive as a home for world class talent while maximising access to important markets to tour and collaborate.
“The sector plays an important role in driving growth across regions and nations, through creative clusters and corridors across the country that spread opportunity and prosperity in communities, as well as driving growth by enhancing access to skills, spillovers, and knowledge sharing.”
Skills
Skills is a key area of focus for the government, with the green paper saying “the UK has a skills mismatch greater than many peer economies, with 10% of businesses reporting at least one skill shortage vacancy”.
It said the skills needs of employers vary according to their sector and geography, with one example given being the creative industries sector needing workers with skills in digital, design and data.
A key focus at Bristol Creative Industries is boosting workforce diversity in creative businesses and helping to grow the talent pipeline for our members through initiatives such as our groundbreaking Bristol Creative Industries Internship Programme with social enterprise Babbasa and Bristol-based agencies.
Local and regional growth
A core objective of the government’s industrial strategy is “unleashing the full potential of our cities and regions by attracting investment and creating the best environment for businesses in them to thrive”.
The green paper highlights areas where focused clusters already exist and have potential for growth. One of those mentioned is digital industries in Bristol.
How should the government support the creative industries?
The government is running a public consultation on the industrial strategy until 24 November.
We are interested to hear ideas for how the Bristol Creative Industries community think the creative sector should feature in the final industrial strategy. Send your ideas to Dan Martin.
Ahead of the 2024 general election, several BCI members told us how they would like to see the new government supporting creative businesses. Here are some of the responses:
“The creative industry faces two significant challenges: attracting and retaining skilled talent and securing financial support to facilitate investment and growth in a challenging economic environment.
“Many creative businesses are small and agile, enabling them to deliver results with minimal resources. However, for these businesses to reach their full potential, the next government must acknowledge the creative sector’s value and contribution to the UK economy and provide tangible support.
“That means offering tax incentives to small businesses and startups, increasing access to loans and grants – and not just for R&D – expanding and supporting creative apprenticeship programmes, and providing business support programmes specifically tailored for small and creative businesses.
“Finally, we need greater market visibility and opportunities to access national and international trade.”
Catherine Frankpitt, Strike Communications
“To continue building the creative sector, further focus needs to be placed on education, advocacy, and innovation, ensuring the sector not only survives but thrives in a rapidly changing world.
“Education is where it begins. The government must recruit and keep inspirational teachers who can inspire and cultivate the future generation of creative individuals. Quality educators play a crucial role in motivating students and equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in creative industries.
“It’s also crucial to advocate for the creative industry and change outdated perspectives to promote diverse career paths. Traditional career guidance often emphasises professions like policing or accounting, while overlooking the numerous opportunities available in creative industries. It’s important to shift this discussion in educational institutions, as well as with parents and the community, whilst showcasing success stories and the economic potential of creative careers.
“Innovation is at the heart of the UK’s creative accomplishments. For instance, consider Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s creation of the World Wide Web or the iconic design of the Mini car. These examples illustrate the UK’s leadership in problem-solving and generating new ideas. To continue this momentum, the government needs to provide support to creative start-ups, allocate funds for arts research and development, and promote collaborations between businesses and creative professionals.
“So, let’s remember what we’re good at as a nation, continue to nurture it, and constantly innovative, to remain at the global forefront of creativity.”
Ryan Wills, Taxi Studio
“The UK represents vast untapped potential for creative businesses. For young people, entry into the industry remains something of a closed shop, achieved via well-trodden paths. Any efforts to broaden these pathways are largely driven by charities or pro bono work by smaller businesses. So we’re undoubtedly missing out on millions of incredibly talented people, and they’re missing out on what could be exceptional careers.
“The incoming government should invest meaningfully in giving the next generation more exposure to what our industry can offer, and easier access to financial and professional support that would make a creative career a viable option for all, regardless of background. Then let’s see what we could achieve!”
Ailsa Billington, Proctor + Stevenson
“We are strong advocates that the next government must focus on digital skills education to help prepare our future creative industry workforce. We see investment in digital and AI education, skills, initiatives and training will be crucial for businesses like ours, so we can recruit exceptional talent for the future.
“We believe the next government must also foster collaborations between educational institutions and industry, to help bridge skills gaps and by investing in these, the government can empower and future proof the creative sector to help drive economic growth.”
Tom Vaughton, Varn
