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Business Link Northwest

Free impartial business information and advice

Digital and creative 

The North West is home to the UK's largest, most internationally recognised cluster of digital and creative industries outside London. There are over 31,000 digital and creative businesses in the region, employing over 321,000 people. Together they generate around £15.8 billion per year - 16 per cent of the region's output.

The North West has long enjoyed a well-earned reputation for outstanding creativity and artistic innovation. Its creative success has historically been based around music, particularly in Manchester and Liverpool, but today it is increasingly focused on film, digital media, computer games and television-related activities.

The sector has been identified as a priority growth sector within the region and there is a wealth of information and support available to help businesses realise their potential.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. Our team of specialist advisers have in-depth understanding and know-how of the digital and creative industry and offer free, tailored one-to-one support for your business. Call us now on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form to find out what we can do for you!

spotlight iconIn the spotlight...

Our reports created with How-Do provide insight on the current and future health of these dynamic industries in the North West:

infoCo-operating creatively

Co-operatives UK has launched www.uk.coop/creative for co-operatives working in the creative industries. The new website sets out advice for established freelancers, newly self-employed people and recent graduates on setting up creative co-operatives.

InfoFeatured support

Grow your business
Access impartial advice and support through our Digital and creative sector specialists to help you develop and implement your plan for growth.

Vision + Media support
Visit the Vision + Media website to find out about the cluster support for the North West's digital and creative industry.

ICT cluster support
Engage in a free and open exchange of knowledge, information and business opportunities with local ICT businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria by joining their ICT cluster groups. 

Support for exporters
Contact UK Trade and Investment on 0845 603 7053 and ask to speak to the creative or ICT/digital sector specialist for tailored international trade support.

Icon guidesThe Creative Business: 12 Modules

Read this series of blogs by David Parrish about developing creative enterprises, written especially for people running businesses in the sector.

guideCreative Currency report

Access research into the strengths and barriers to growth in the North West's creative services sector just published by Vision+Media - registration required.

interactiveHave your say...

...with Skillset's Workforce Survey 2010 and help create the most comprehensive profile of working life in the UK Creative Media sectors.

Digital & creative events


View all events

infoPromoting the value of design in the economy

You've got until 30 July to apply for the Design Council grant launched on 1 July.

tools iconSkills development

Digital Media Skills Programme
Access this initiative to help prepare the region’s digital and creative professionals for the arrival of MediaCityUK.

Sector Skills Councils
Find out which industry body supports skills and training development in your sector.

Train to Gain
Improve your productivity and competitiveness by ensuring your staff have got the right skills to do the job.

Leadership and Management
Take up this innovative programme to equip yourself with the skills to become a better leader.

Apprenticeships
Find out how apprenticeships can make your business more effective, productive and competitive.

Trading internationally

Read an overview of the creative and media sector and its key international trade regulations.

Download the UKTI brochure that showcases the capabilities of the UK's creative industries.