Creative industries growth scheme helps 200 firms
Design and marketing consultancy USP Creative has become the 200th business in Liverpool to win backing from a creative industries support scheme.
The Creative Growth Initiative was launched by support agency ACME to help small firms win new business and take on more staff.
The project has now reached its target of supporting 200 firms, but is set to continue until the end of March.
Firms who won a place on the scheme received one-to-one support from specialist business advisers, including David Parrish, author of T-Shirts and Suits.
USP, which was founded in 1990, employs 12 people and is now looking to take on another member of staff.
Founder Jan Peters said: “Having the support there has been fantastic because it hadn’t been there previously for us to tap into.
“Having specific support in this sector has been brilliant. It’s all people who understand the sector – it’s not generic business advice.
“The contacts we have made through this are fantastic.
“We sat down with David and talked about strengthening the business, and how we could develop the business into new areas.”
USP also joined ACME’s Kin network, which links creative firms through an online community and regular networking events.
Ms Peters said: “In our sector, in this city, I think there could be a lot more collaboration and working together. I know some of my colleagues who run other agencies are keen to support the idea.”
Mr Parrish said he had worked with creatives from artists and web designers to musicians.
“It’s all about helping businesses to grow and ultimately create new jobs,” he said.
“It’s like I’m a very short-term non-executive director at these companies – it might only be for a couple of hours over a coffee.”
ACME director Kevin McManus said: “ACME has helped thousands of creatives over more than 13 years and now plays an important part in the economic development of the city as part of Liverpool Vision.
“The Creative Growth Initiative is very successful and we are contacted daily by creative businesses seeking our support.”
[Image: Kevin McManus (ACME) Jan Peters (USP Creative) and David Parrish (T-Shirts and Suits)]
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