London Thames Gateway - Planning a Creative Future
A core element of Gateway to London's work is to identify and help develop the potential of new and growing business sectors in the region. With such a diverse location, product and variety of opportunities, Gateway to London needs to focus on where it can best deliver value. We therefore regularly carry out in depth research and evaluation of the area's ‘fit' for functions and looks at emerging markets which have potential and for which London Thames Gateway has the right conditions.
Gateway to London has already developed strong regional cases for more traditional business areas such as manufacturing and logistics, as well as offers for firms looking for locations to meet their headquarters or back office needs. Most recently, our work around the region's offer for environmental technologies has proven particularly successful. In each of these areas, London Thames Gateway has an exceptional offer for business, which has been worked up into a specific proposition incorporating the business opportunity and advantages specific to the relocation decision.
Creative industries are a key sector for the region and detailed research focused on maximising the opportunity for investment is well underway. This is a booming business area, as outlined in the article on creative clusters, and was responsible for 7 per cent of the response rate in the recent London Thames Gateway Business Survey. The survey also highlighted that the vast majority of firms have been based in the region for less than three years, reinforcing the focus on identifying the extent and form of existing creative firms and examining the potential for attracting inward investment.
The creative industries cover a broad range of sub sectors and activities such as fashion, film, leisure, software and music. The research has therefore been segmented in order to identify which sub sectors offer the most opportunity. A four stage approach is being taken to the project, carried out by Tenon Techlocate, consisting of desk research and analysis, consultations with key players in the area, strategy formulation based on research and consultation, and development of the final proposition and action plan.
Consultations have been a key part of the process with local authorities, support agencies, key business advisors, and creative businesses themselves, all involved. This has provided valuable input in establishing where the market opportunity lies and identifying where Gateway to London can best add value.
An interim report, outlining the region's current offer and setting out the options for Gateway to London's intervention, has been published to consultees, who's feedback will be factored into the development of Gateway to London's sector strategy, final regional proposition and marketing plan.
The creative industries offer in London Thames Gateway is already strong. With Gateway to London's work on developing a proposition for this key area, plus our ability to build networks using real insight and a considerable knowledge base, we can add even more value and help to secure a creative future for London Thames Gateway.
Our partners' input into this work has been invaluable and we would like to thank everyone involved. Anyone with an interest in the creative industries who would like to be involved in providing feedback on the research, please contact Leanne Lawrence on 020 7540 5525.
