NEWS4 December 2024
Our Games And Innovation Nexus (GAIN) programme team recently attended the 2024 Beyond Conference at Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Recognised as the UK’s leading gathering of innovators, researchers, and investors in the creative sector, the Beyond Conference showcased why the UK is a global leader in creativity.
In 2023 alone, the UK’s creative industry contributed almost £125 billion to the economy, with growth projected to exceed £130 billion by the end of 2025, creating around 300 million additional jobs globally.
With creative industry bursting with opportunities for new businesses and technologies, Dr Charlotte Frost, GAIN Programme Manager, shares five takeaways from the event:
1. SMEs are the ‘lifeblood of the Creative Economy’ – Let’s support them
SMEs and independent businesses are the backbone of creative industries, yet many struggle to access affordable workspace and timely business advice.
If the UK is to maintain its position as a global creative leader, we must prioritise the needs of these companies, engage with them directly, and provide tailored support to address their unique challenges.
2. Demystifying Investment in the Creative Industries
Investment remains a significant hurdle for many creative businesses. The lack of clear roadmaps for delivering strong returns can deter potential investors, who may opt for industries with more straightforward investment models. To encourage investment, the creative industries must share more success stories that demonstrate growth and profitability of creative ventures.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Universities are hotbeds of cutting-edge research and development, but often businesses struggle to access these resources, which may often be available on their doorsteps. By forging stronger connections between academia and industry, we can accelerate innovation and help businesses integrate the latest research and innovation into their pathways.
4. CreaTech and the Future of Tourism
CreaTech businesses have a significant role to play in innovating the tourism industry by encouraging tourists to explore new destinations in new ways, we can rebalance the industry and protect over-visited areas from further damage.
This presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine cultural experiences with a fresh, place-based ethical framework.
5. Fostering a Community of Collaboration
The Greater Manchester community served as a warm and friendly example of the power of collaboration. By actively connecting, communicating, and sharing knowledge, businesses in the region are creating an ecosystem where all can prosper. This spirit of collaboration is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of the creative industries.
Surrey Research Park – Driving Success in CreaTech
The University of Surrey in partnership with the world-renowned Pinewood Studios, UK’s National Film and Television School, BT and others, are part of a £75.6m UKRI-funded CoSTAR programme, led by Royal Holloway University of London. This exciting programme is designed to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in gaming, TV, film, performance and digital entertainment.
Surrey Research Park, as part of the University of Surrey, is uniquely positioned to support current and future Park Community CreaTech companies to seize these and new opportunities that arise, such as the GAIN programme.
The UK government’s recent Budget confirmed its continued commitment to the creative industries through competitive tax reliefs for film, high-end TV, and video games. The introduction of the Independent Film Tax Credit further cements the UK’s position as a global leader in the sector, presenting exciting opportunities for businesses to grow.
Plus, located just 20 miles from the Netflix and Amazon MGM UK’s major studios, at Pinewood and Shepperton, and at the heart of the Guildford Games cluster, Surrey Research Park offers a prime location for businesses looking to collaborate with major players in the converging film, television and games sectors.
Already home to leading games and CreaTech companies like Boris FX, Seven League Software (7LS), and 22 Cans, as well as independent studios in the Rocketdesk co-working space, Surrey Research Park provides:
• Funding Opportunities: Access to opportunities for grants and industry partnerships.
• Collaborations and Facilities: Partner with top researchers and leverage cutting-edge facilities at the University of Surrey.
• Talent Pipelines: Be the first to connect with top-tier graduates and research teams to grow your workforce.
• Vibrant Ecosystem: Join a thriving community of innovators pushing boundaries in gaming, performance, and digital entertainment.
Discover your Perfect Space – Book A Viewing Today
For CreaTech pioneers, VFX innovators, AI / CG animators, designers, game developers or engineering innovators, we have several attractive and versatile spaces available today at Surrey Research Park – perfect for scaling your ideas, attracting talent, and impressing your clients.
Click below to send us your requirements and discover how Surrey Research Park could support your business in 2025.
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