Brunel has a history of innovation, technical expertise, industry collaboration and high calibre students. Here we present the findings of an in depth study of the state of the creative sector in West London.
The Creative and Cultural Industries are some of the UK’s fastest growing sectors, growing at four times the rate of the UK economy. The Creative and Cultural Industries shape West London’s social and cultural life and economy in important and meaningful ways. We conducted research to better understand the needs of the CCIs in West London and how Brunel University can engage with and support them.
There has historically been a strong film and TV industry in the west of London, with internationally recognised studios and a growing number of new studios, including the latest video production technology and games. Along with large companies there are high numbers of small businesses and freelancers - we found 65% employ less than 10 people or are freelancers. Therefore the small scale business is vital to the creative economy. There is a growing recognition in the CCI sector of the importance of local connections, supply chains, and creative clusters. Companies in creative clusters have better access to skills, customers, knowledge and desired lifestyle and amenities. Organisations that we spoke to highlighted the benefits of being located in areas that have strong local links between creative businesses, and where collaborations are fostered.
We identified that COVID-19 had affected the Creative Industry sectors very differently, with those relying on live audiences affected the most. Businesses had to respond quickly to COVID-19 and innovate on a number of levels including online innovation and engaging audiences digitally; working remotely; diversifying programmes and delivery; as well as developing new business models. A number of long-standing challenges have been further exacerbated by the current economic uncertainty including equality and diversity; improving sustainable practices; and skills shortages and recruitment.
As a civic minded university Brunel can offer a ‘thirdspace’ for knowledge exchange, experimentation and dialogue between universities and creative and cultural economies, and foster the necessary visionary human capital – of creative and ground breaking graduates and academic practitioners – that benefit a creative and cultural local economy.
We work to create and identify opportunities for partnerships and networking, develop a common understanding and language across disciplines and sectors, and create ‘value’ in collaboration. Our findings ultimately reveal that there is a strong appetite and need both within the CCI sector and Brunel University London to find innovative ways to work together, continue to improve on opportunities for students, and bridge the knowledge gap between industry and academia.
If you’d like to find out more please contact isobel.ward@brunel.ac.uk.