News and Press
Minister meets South West creative businesses

TLT, which has in-depth experience advising creative businesses across the UK, was one of a handful of firms invited by Aardman Animations and South West Screen, the development agency for film, television and digital media in the South West, to attend a private meeting with Ed Vaizey, The Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries.

The meeting, which took place on Friday 8th April 2011, was to discuss key issues facing the creative economy in the South West particularly the barriers to growth. Also attending the discussion were representatives from Aardman Animations, Future Publishing, Wonky Films. Proctor and Stevenson, Touch Productions, Fluffy Logic, Team Rubber, Sift Media, HP Labs, Walk Tall Media, Icon Films, the BBC and South West Screen’s iFeatures studio.

Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive of South West Screen, said, "The creative economy is one of the South West’s fastest growing industries, yet we are aware that many of its businesses still face structural and economic problems, such as access to capital, access to new markets and finding the right talent. For example our recent survey showed that creative businesses are unlikely to have non-executive directors on their Board, or access to partners who can help scale their business or provide links to government support services. We are confident that unlike many other traditional business sectors, the creative industries offer significant opportunities for growth, and can benefit from specific, bespoke support."

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, said, “The creative industries are a key part of the UK economy and we must create the right conditions for this sector to grow…Measures to support the sector included improving the digital infrastructure, reducing regulatory burdens and providing better skills training. But it is essential that we continue talking to industry to understand how we can help our creative industries grow. The future success of our creative industries will be a key part of providing this country with the economic growth and the new jobs the UK needs.”

TLT's Head of Technology and Media, James Touzel, says "The Government has identified the growth of the Digital and Creative Industries as being key to achieving its objective of rebalancing the economy. SMEs proliferate in these industries and it’s the agility and innovation of these businesses that stimulate growth and make the UK one of the best places in the world for original content. Government can help by creating the right environment for these businesses to flourish. Ed Vaizey's visit to the region has given the government a better understanding of Bristol as a hotbed of innovation and of what the Government can do to further stimulate growth."