Supporting the next generation of lighting talent has been part of SLX’s story for years, and applications are now open for the 2026/27 cohort of our Lighting Programme.
Launched in 2018, the programme was created to give emerging lighting designers and technical theatre students meaningful support as they prepare to take the next step into the industry. Each year, five students from across the UK are selected to join the programme during their final year of study, gaining access to practical support, industry insight and real opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and working life.
For students heading into their final year, the programme is designed to give participants a chance to build their confidence, strengthen their knowledge and gain a clearer understanding of the different career paths available within lighting and technical production.
We know how important that early support can be, SLX is a Bristol-based technical production and hire company working across live events, light trails, sports, TV and broadcast, and performing arts. Creativity and problem solving sit at the heart of what we do, but just as important is the responsibility we feel to support the industries we are part of. As a B Corp, that purpose-led approach shapes how we work, how we grow and how we invest in people.
The Lighting Programme reflects that mindset. SLX was built by people with a genuine passion for these industries, and that has never changed. We know the sector depends on skilled, creative people coming through, and we believe established businesses have a role to play in helping make that happen.
Successful applicants will gain access to mentorship, hands-on experience, exposure to professional equipment and a better understanding of the realities of working in the sector. The aim is to help students move forward with more confidence, stronger industry awareness and a clearer sense of where their skills could take them.
We are now inviting applications from lighting design and technical theatre students who will be entering their final year of study in September 2026.
Applications for the 2026/27 cohort are open from 13 April 2026 to 8 May 2026.
To find out more about the programme and apply, visit: here
At The Square Club, we’re more than just a members’ club – we’re a hub for Bristol’s creative community. In partnership with Bristol Creative Industries, we’re delighted to offer BCI members discounted membership at just £30 a month.
Members join a unique community of creative professionals, with The Square being a space for fresh ideas, discussion, and collaboration. Alongside a vibrant events programme and dining scene, it’s a dynamic environment for working, socialising, and networking.
Our spaces include a boutique lounge, the Square Kitchen restaurant, the Lower Deck Cocktail Bar, and a hidden city-centre terrace – perfect for focusing, hosting meetings, or catching up with fellow creatives.
You may already know us from BCI’s monthly Members Lunch or Freelancers Networking Evening, where Bristol’s creative community gathers to connect and collaborate.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what BCI member, Mark Beavan of That Little Agency, had to say:
“I became a member of the Square Club as it offered an alternative working environment to home or the office. The warm, casual and welcoming environment is perfect to facilitate a number of different approaches to work – whether that is the need for focus, collaboration, or creative thinking. It is quickly becoming a meeting post for creative, media and agency professionals, with a weekly, monthly and annual calendar of interesting and engaging events aimed at this audience. The team are fantastic and always looking at ways to add more value to this community. In particular, Sophie plays a central role in fantastically managing this demanding group of professionals.”
Membership also includes reciprocal access to over forty clubs worldwide (including six in London), two complimentary hotel nights, access to over twenty events a month, and a network of like-minded creatives. Whether you need a space to focus, meet clients, or spark new ideas, The Square has you covered.
See it for yourself. Book a tour or apply for membership today by emailing [email protected], and discover why Bristol’s creatives are choosing The Square Club.
If you’re planning a summer event in Bristol, this is your sign to make it unforgettable—without stretching your budget. This August, Watershed is offering an exclusive 40% off event space hire, giving you the perfect opportunity to host something special in one of the city’s most iconic harbourside venues.
Set right on Bristol’s vibrant waterfront, Watershed blends creative energy with stunning views. Whether you’re organising a corporate gathering, workshop, private screening, or celebration, the venue offers a unique atmosphere that’s both professional and inspiring.
From flexible event spaces to cinema screens, Watershed provides a setting that can adapt to your vision—whether that’s formal, relaxed, or somewhere in between.
Here’s everything included in this limited-time deal:
40% off all Waterside Event Spaces
Available throughout August 2026
Valid at any time of day
Includes Standard Screen and AV setup
Cinema hire included before 14:00
The offer applies only to August 2026 bookings
Not valid for events in July or September
Catering and Hybrid AV packages are available as add-ons at an additional cost
Whether you’re planning something professional or personal, this offer works for a wide range of events:
Team away days & meetings
Networking events & presentations
Creative workshops & panels
Private screenings & film events
Summer parties & celebrations
With built-in AV and flexible layouts, you can focus on your event content while the venue takes care of the essentials.
📍 Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX
🕘 Access hours: 09:00 – 23:00 (unless otherwise stated)
Situated in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside, Watershed is easily accessible and surrounded by great spots for pre- or post-event drinks and dining.
Summer dates book quickly—especially with an offer like this. If you’ve been thinking about hosting an event, now’s the perfect time to secure your space at a significantly reduced rate.
📩 Enquire now: [email protected]
Bring your ideas to life this August at Watershed—where great events meet a great location.
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.
BRAVA, a leading provider of high-quality coaching in the art and business of voice, is proud to announce a new partnership with Films @ 59, Bristol’s premier film and television studio complex.
This collaboration will see Films @ 59 provide world-class studio facilities for BRAVA’s extensive programme of group voice acting workshops and masterclasses, further strengthening Bristol and the South West as a global hub for voice excellence.
BRAVA is renowned for bringing the very best voice coaches from around the globe to Bristol and the South West, offering elite-level training that spans performance, technique, and the commercial realities of the voice industry. Through this partnership, Films @ 59 now offers the ideal environment to combine dynamic workout sessions with professional studio recording, giving participants a seamless, industry-relevant training experience.
The partnership enables BRAVA to deliver its workshops and masterclasses in fully equipped, high-spec studio spaces, allowing artists to train, record, and refine their craft in facilities used by leading productions across film, television, and voice media.
Melissa Thom, CEO of BRAVA, said:
“This partnership with Films @ 59 is a hugely exciting step for BRAVA. Our mission has always been to provide world-class voice coaching and to make Bristol and the South West a destination for excellence in the industry. Having access to such outstanding studio facilities means our artists can train and record at the highest professional level, right here at home. Together, we’re not just serving our local community, we’re putting Bristol firmly on the global voice map.”
Films @ 59, widely recognised for its state-of-the-art studios and commitment to creative excellence, sees the partnership as a natural alignment of values and ambition.
George Panayiotou, Business Director at Films @ 59, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome BRAVA to Films @ 59. Their reputation for attracting the highest quality coaches and nurturing exceptional voice talent perfectly complements our facilities and our commitment to supporting the creative industries in Bristol and the South West. By bringing training, workouts, and professional recording together under one roof, we’re helping to elevate the region’s profile and showcase it as a serious global player in the voice and screen industries.”
Together, BRAVA and Films @ 59 aim to create a best-in-class training environment that supports emerging and established voice artists alike, strengthens the regional creative economy, and positions Bristol and the South West as an international centre for voice talent, innovation, and opportunity.
BRAVA’s series of advanced masterclasses will take place throughout 2026.
-ends-
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.
Tom Bowden-Green, Bristol Creative Industries board director and a senior lecturer in marketing within Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol, shares an update on how we are supporting students to pursue creative sector careers and connecting them to employers looking for talent.
“Ask me what my three priorities are as a board director at Bristol Creative Industries and I tell you education, education, education…” OK, I may have borrowed that from a former prime minister 30 years ago (yes 30 years!), but developing ‘talent’ is one of the reasons BCI exists, and a key pillar in our overall strategy.
We are really lucky in this region to have four great universities, and many wider colleges and schools, supporting the creative sector. Whether you want to employ students and/or graduates, or learn from academics engaged in relevant research, there are plenty of opportunities for greater links between members and educators. So, what does this mean in practice?
Number one, we have a database of members who want to support students and educators in the region. This might involve offering mentoring or work experience during holidays, for example, or perhaps providing longer term placements or part time employment.
There are also opportunities to provide more structured support such as talks and guest lectures within established programmes. UWE, for example, has a scheme called Course Connect, linking businesses to specific and relevant modules.
If you’re a BCI member and you’d like to support these efforts, email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
We’re also growing our BCI student membership. It remains free, and we are going to be increasing the specific activity for these members. As well as providing tickets to some of our events, we intend to increase regular communication through a dedicated student newsletter. If you have an opportunity to share with students of any level, we’d be happy to communicate this through the newsletter.
In the longer term, we are also planning a dedicated student conference in early 2027. We’d love volunteers to speak to students about working in the creative industries, plus there are likely to be sponsorship opportunities. Do let us know if either appeals to you. Email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
So, what kind of students do we envisage working with as we expand student activities? Well, we already have hundreds of student members, many of whom attend university courses in the region. For example, many of you are involved in some aspect of marketing, and there are thousands of marketing students in the region.
However, there are also many students studying broader creative topics relating to TV and film or digital technology for example. Whatever your expertise or niche, there is bound to be a course and a cohort of students who could benefit from your expertise. Many will also be seeking employment in the years to come.
Of course, university education is not the only route into the creative industries. Student membership is therefore open to students at all levels, including those in post-16 education, and those studying courses later in life. Opportunities to engage therefore include post-16 courses, such as apprenticeships, T-levels, and a range of relevant A-level, as well as postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications.
Beyond working with students directly though, there are many wider benefits of engaging with educators and academics. BCI signed a memorandum of understanding with UWE last year, with an intention to benefit from broader collaboration such as research and knowledge exchange.
BCI has recently supported various Skills Bootcamps for example, including the ‘Broadcast to Branded’ Skills Bootcamp relating to TV and Film production, as well as skills bootcamps in digital marketing and the creative industries.
Whether you’re seeking to attend a bootcamp, or share expertise with learners, there will be many opportunities in the coming months, and probably wider training courses beyond bootcamps. There are also opportunities for research collaboration, including funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. If you have a problem requiring an academic mind, just let us know.
On 25 February, we will be hosting our first BCI event at Bristol Business School. This will be a chance to network with academics and others from the creative industries, but also a great opportunity to hear about specific research relating to marketing and psychology. Come along, meet those teaching and researching in this area, ask questions and let us know how we can help you.
The opportunities are broad and varied. I feel a new dawn is breaking, is it not?
Top image credit: © Tom Sparey, All Rights Reserved.
Bristol, UK – January 2026 — Ignition DG Ltd, the Bristol-based strategic events and exhibitions agency, as part of Istoria Group, today announces significant business growth. From expanded global reach to continued leadership, Ignition DG continues to generate impressive results in the sector.
Founded in 2007 with a mission to challenge traditional “build and burn” event practices, Ignition DG has grown into an award-winning creative agency known for blending strategic planning with world-class delivery.
Global Growth
Ignition DG designs and delivers hundreds of exhibitions and event programmes each year – serving clients across pharmaceutical, beauty, biotech, aerospace and technology sectors.
To support recent successes, Ignition DG ended 2025 with the opening of a new European office. With strategic hubs and warehouse facilities now established across the UK, EU and the US, Ignition’s global growth goes from strength to strength. Paired with trusted partners across Asia, the Middle East and South America, the business has consolidated its ability to support global programmes with local expertise.
Client Success
From complex exhibition portfolios and major congresses, Ignition’s work emphasises strategic intent, creative innovation, and seamless project management – underpinning sustained client retention and growth.
Alongside continued client success, Ignition has won awards for booth designs, creative event executions, and bespoke modular solutions that deliver high impact and cost efficiencies for global brands.
With recent client wins, Ignition has attracted new talent to the company, seeing a 19% increase in employees throughout 2025.
Innovation Through Change
In recent years, the company has responded to shifts in the events landscape by scaling its digital and hybrid capabilities. This adaptability has reinforced client partnerships, enabling Ignition DG to deliver hundreds of virtual events and hybrid programmes that seamlessly blend creativity with technology.
Innovation continues to be part of Ignition’s DNA. New strategic capabilities, such as building exhibition attractors in-house, are being launched, alongside medical content writing as a service.
Looking Ahead
“We’re proud of the sustained growth we’ve achieved while staying true to our founding values,” said Sam Rowe, CEO of Ignition DG. “Our team’s focus on creativity and strategic excellence has allowed us to support clients around the world with meaningful, measurable experiences.”
With continued investments in strategic solutions, talent and technology, Ignition DG is poised to grow further into 2026 and beyond. The company remains committed to helping clients across regulated industries to create impactful live experiences that drive business results without compromising environmental or ethical standards.
For media enquiries, please contact:
[email protected]
Improve your communication skills in the workplace and beyond. If you’re ready to take your first steps in developing your speaking and presentation skills, this is the perfect place to start.
COURSE DETAILS
A 3 hour, live course delivered over 3 consecutive evenings across one week, with BRAVA CEO, Melissa Thom. This course will help you understand the theory and lay down the fundamentals skills and practical techniques you need in order to communicate more effectively, with increased confidence.
COURSE OVERVIEW
WHO IS IT FOR?
This small group class is for anyone who’d like to learn practical tips to help unlock the power of their voice, successfully influence an audience and communicate with confidence.
WHY BRAVA?
At BRAVA, all of our training is live and tailored to you. There are no pre-recorded modules and we work with people of all ages and experience levels from 20 yrs+, from a wide range of backgrounds.
Many people are surprised by how much there is to learn and how much they can grow, even in just three sessions.
—
£180 (inc. VAT)
Dates: 2, 3 & 4 February (Mon, Tues, Weds) 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Online via Zoom
To book, visit:
https://www.brava.uk.com/masterclasses/foundation-in-public-speaking
BRAVA, the leading voice and audio training academy founded by award-winning voice actor, Melissa Thom, is delighted to announce that Dan Jones, former Head of Audiobook Production at Hachette UK, has joined the organisation as an audiobook coach and guest instructor.
With more than 20 years’ experience at a major UK publisher, Dan brings an exceptional depth of industry knowledge, technical expertise, and creative leadership to BRAVA’s coaching team. His background spans music engineering, audiobook production, studio design, and talent development, making him an invaluable addition to BRAVA’s roster of specialist coaches. BRAVA remains committed to ensuring that all its coaches have extensive experience in their field, and Dan embodies this standard.
Dan will work alongside BRAVA CEO and audiobook narrator, Melissa Thom, to deliver both personalised coaching and group masterclasses. Their first joint event, Audiobooks from a Publisher’s Perspective, will take place in Bristol on Friday, 20 March at their central partner studios, from 10am – 4pm. This in-person masterclass is designed for voice professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the audiobook industry and elevate their technical and performance skills. Attendees will gain practical guidance on showreels, preparation, narration techniques, recording workflows, and securing work in a competitive and rapidly evolving sector.
Dan Jones said:
“I’ve spent my life immersed in audio, from experimenting with tape recorders as a kid, to building Hachette’s in-house audiobook studios, to overseeing the production of thousands of titles across every genre. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with the BRAVA community and help voice professionals thrive in this industry I care so deeply about.”
Melissa Thom, CEO of BRAVA, added:
“Dan’s experience is unparalleled. His decades spent at the forefront of audio production, coupled with his passion for storytelling and technical mastery, make him an extraordinary asset to our students. We’re thrilled to welcome him to BRAVA.”
Dan’s career spans music engineering, audiobook production leadership, and more recently, consultancy work for audio and technology companies on strategies and training initiatives. His unique mix of technical expertise and narrative sensitivity positions him perfectly to support both emerging and established voice professionals through BRAVA’s specialised coaching programmes.
To find out more about BRAVA go to Advanced Audiobooks Masterclass or visit www.brava.uk.com
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