In order to identify the specific needs of the creative sector in Hartlepool it was agreed that expert consultancy support would be required.
The study would:
- review the scale of the sector locally
- identify business support packages
- review the needs of those businesses based at the BIS
- research careers pathways and educational provisions to developing a pipeline of skills for the sector
- evaluate working relationships with main stakeholders from public, private and non-profit sectors.
Chimera Consulting was commissioned as part of the LGA’s Economic Growth Advisers programme to undertake a comprehensive desk-based study including a consultation exercise with key stakeholders in Hartlepool and wider to collect a broad range of views and opinions.
The consultation consisted of in depth one to one interviews and discussions with local creative businesses, creative sector organisations both local and national, business support organisations, business networking groups, Hartlepool Council’s cultural service and economic development leads, local schools and colleges and third sector organisations.
The main feedback that was reported through these consultations and identified in the desk-based research is the importance of networking in the sector as well as a lack of awareness of available business support packages.
This feedback shaped the recommendations in the report which will then be taken forward by Hartlepool Council with targeted interventions as identified in the study in a set out timeframe.
The final recommendations of the study are categorized into five main areas:
Increasing stakeholder engagement and developing a creative sector consortium/partnership which involves all key stakeholders across the education, community, private, and wider public sector.
Addressing business needs and supporting business growth through the creation of various tools and resources including a business support guide, an online directory and talent matching pool. It was also suggested that a dedicated creative sector facilitator should be appointed, and a programme of events developed to encourage creatives to network and showcase their work.
Developing the creative hub, exploring opportunities for small displays for tenants to showcase their goods/work. Developing a programme of events and dedicating a space for students to use in a supervised setting, as well as hosting business awards events to celebrate the sector.
Nurturing talent, highlighting career pathways and workforce development by making use of local alumni to provide career pathway videos, as well as a series of mini video clips covering all aspects of the creative sector. Further suggestions include the provision of work experience prior to moving into self-employment, working with schools, colleges, universities to address skills shortages through bespoke training packages and events that enable local young students and creative talent to be showcased.
The start of this process will be to invite all stakeholders as identified above to an initial forum where the report findings will be fed back including recommendations for further discussion and development of the creative sector consortium/partnership.