History

Established in 2005, we have a long history of supporting creative businesses in Bristol and the South West to learn, grow and connect.

Bristol Media logo 2005

2005

Get Connected, Get Support, Get Noticed

2005 – Bristol Media established as one of a set of place-based networks in the South West, with a focus on film and TV. Funding is provided by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) through South West Screen.

The offer is simple: Get Connected, Get Support, Get Noticed. The key goals are to form a strong network, support the creative sector, and advocate for the Bristol community at a national level.

The team are made up of a co-ordinator and a voluntary Board: Mike Bennett (digital agencies), Chris Jones (marketing & branding), Pete Levy (animation) and Laura Marshall and Paul Appleby (TV). 

2006 – 2010

Challenging conventions

2007 – After several years of providing events and training workshops, Bristol Media is established as a Community Interest Company and the membership model is introduced.

2009 – Bristol Media publishes the 0117 book as a promotion for the sector and the city. Caroline Marshall joins the organisation as Editor & Operations Director.

2010 – The first 2-day Vision Bristol conference is held. Bringing together global thought leaders and visionaries to open minds to new ideas, challenge conventions, and shape business practices. Over the next 6 years each annual Vision conference attracts over 300 creative industry professionals from Bristol and beyond.

Chris Thurling joins the Board of directors to represent the digital sector.

Bristol Media Barometer 2016

2011 – 2016

Industry benchmarking

2012 – 2016 – Bristol Media spearheads The Barometer Survey; identifying trends in company growth, strength in collaboration and deliberating issues such as recruitment and learning.

Alli Nicholas joins the team in the newly-created Membership Manager role.

2015 – Bristol Media celebrates 10-year anniversary with a member showreel. Membership exceeds 500 individuals and creative businesses.

2016 – Co-production of the CreaTech Manifesto for Bristol with TechSpark. The Manifesto is endorsed by the candidates for the Mayoral election in Bristol and is updated in 2017 for the WECA Mayoral election.

Jasmine Thompson

2017 – 2019

Inspiring minds & talent

2017The Ben Martin Apprentice Award (BMAA) is created to support diversity and kick-start careers for young, creative talent within Bristol and the South West.

Membership reaches 600 active individuals and creative businesses. Chris Thurling takes over as Chair of Bristol Media.

2018Our City film competition (working in collaboration with Mayor Marvin Rees) as part of Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film project.

2019 – A series of keynote events and workshops sees the likes of Rory Sutherland, Ann Hiatt, Bruce Daisley and Margaret Heffernan come to Bristol to share insights with local entrepreneurs, creative businesses and agencies.

Bristol Creative Industries

2020

A fresh new look

Sep 2020 – Bristol Media becomes Bristol Creative Industries. A new name and visual identity are introduced to better reflect the diverse nature of the creative sector.

The goals are the same – to support the creative sector to learn, grow and connect, driven by the common belief that we can achieve more collectively than alone.

Membership helps you raise your profile, make profitable connections and get the work you want.

Find out more

Seek out the ones to connect with in our Membership directory of over 500 businesses and individuals.

Member directory