Creating new way ahead for Bay's businesses

Torbay’s construction and creative industries came together at the first buyer and supplier expo of its kind in the Bay.

The Build Torbay and Torbay Creatives Showcase – Buyer and Supplier Expo highlighted how the industries can unite in certain areas, including architecture and design.

The event, organised by Torbay Council’s Economy team, took place at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Torquay.

Building and creative firms heard about procurement and frameworks from Build Torbay and the South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) and had the opportunity to ask questions.

Rosie Bates from SWPA said: “We know that procurement can often feel like a daunting topic to understand, and we feel it is important to support as many contractors as possible to understand it.”

Juliet Chappel, of Refined Build, added: “The event was invaluable for a small business like us. Support and guidance on complex subjects means we can apply the knowledge and accelerate progress and growth. We need more events like this.”

There were also plenty of opportunities for networking over lunch before the afternoon session – the Torbay Creatives Showcase.

This allowed Torbay businesses which participated in the Devon Create Growth Programme to showcase their excellence.

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and delivered by Torbay Council, Innovate UK and Creative UK, the programme was open to any Devon-based creative business with an ambition to grow and improve performance.

Sectors included advertising and marketing; architecture; crafts; design and designer fashion; film, TV, video, radio and photography; IT, software and computer services (including gaming); publishing; museums, galleries and libraries; music, performing and visual arts.

Two support programmes were available: a six-month programme aimed at supporting creatives with a new or emerging business; and a nine-month programme for businesses who are ambitious about commercial models, growth and investment.

Both programmes were completely free for participating businesses and focussed on helping them to build sustainably and commercially.

The programmes had plenty of in-person opportunities and flexible online sessions or drop-ins.

The showcase celebrated owners’ progress through the programme while managing their businesses. It also allowed them to connect with fellow business owners and explore opportunities for collaboration.

They heard presentations from Torbay Council, Creative UK and Innovate UK and watched a video from Sound Communities, which explained the impact of the programme on Torbay young people.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said: “I’m delighted that around a quarter of the creative businesses participating in, and successfully completing, the Devon Create Growth Programme are based in Torbay.

 “The programme has done an excellent job of supporting Torbay’s creative businesses – whether they’re starting out or looking to grow – by providing specialist creative sector advice, mentors and training. We wish to thank all those involved in supporting our creative businesses to take their growth to the next level.

“We support, enable and facilitate creative business growth by signposting to workshops, grant funding and investment opportunities. I encourage all Torbay businesses with creativity at their core to find out how they could continue to benefit from any future free support available highlighted by the council.”

Sam Spake, Devon Programme Manager, Creative UK, said: “The engagement and peer support of Torbay businesses on the Devon Create Growth programme has been phenomenal. We are seeing real growth and resilience develop within creative businesses across the region. These are the pioneers that will drive the creative economy of tomorrow. We will be opening a new round of the Devon Create Growth Programme in April and encourage all Torbay creative businesses and founders to find out more.”

Torbay creative businesses which have graduated from the Devon Create Growth Programme are:

Artizan Gallery

Devon Made

Mincycled

Creatives Universe

Unleashed Theatre Company

Ubuntu Educational & Mentoring Services CIC

Filament

Print2Wall

Big Wave Marketing Torquay

Gutxi Torquay

Nautoguide Brixham

Sound Communities Paignton

Szabotage Paignton