Written by Applications are now open for our next cohort but first, check out the businesses we’ve helped to grow within our incubator…
We are passionate about creating a diverse talent pipeline which responds to skills gaps within the creative sector, increasing the number of start-ups and business based in the region. Our work focuses on knowledge exchange, business engagement, employability and talent, drawing on the University of Warwick’s excellence in education and research.
Creative Futures are now looking to recruit 5 new businesses to join our incubator! Those selected will have 6 months free access to 1 Mill Street and the University of Warwick, to help develop their business ideas – including weekly coaching sessions, access to enterprise experts and mentors and the ability to network and learn from other businesses. The scheme is supported by the University of Warwick, 1 Mill Street, BT and Warwickshire County Council, all keen to embrace, champion and grow the creative industries in the region.
To learn more about the Incubator click here
Meet our previous cohorts:
Cohort 3
ARCFORM was founded by Steve and Jenny Hughes, who are passionate about designing modern British lighting and sculptures. Since joining Creative Futures, they have exhibited two trade shows, and launched their latest design, the Folio table lamp at Decorex, which brings another element to their lighting range.
Bracken is a creative agency with a difference. By providing curious designers with expertly-made tools, textures and content, Bracken helps freelancers elevate their work to a higher level and get better results, faster!
DRM is a clothing brand that raises awareness and reduces stigma for mental health. DRM is more than just clothes, it’s a community – led by Bill Nichols and Erin Anderson-Howe, DRM shortened for DREAM empowers people through fashion, culture and music to realise they can achieve their goals.
Sunday Only was set up by founder, Jess Olds, as a way to combat Sunday anxiety and worry for the week ahead. Sunday Only now offers more than just candles, it encompasses lifestyle choices, empowerment and allows people to create their very own moments of calm and happiness.
Rubas Media is a digital marketing agency and consultancy created to help brands innovate simple yet predictable sales and marketing systems into their business. Matt Rubas launched the business to show service based businesses how to introduce automation to scale predictably, without sacrificing integrity or connection with prospects and clients.
Cohort 2
Portopia Productions develops diverse and innovative content for TV and digital platforms. Entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling is at the heart of everything they do. They are now developing diverse content for film, TV and digital platforms including series for Sky Arts and Writer Development Scheme for Arts Council England, and have recently taken on two new members of staff and expanding into a factual arm of the business.
The Point Insights are a market research consultancy who design and execute primary research for clients. They have over 15 years’ experience helping to guide brand, product and service strategy for tech, entertainment and sport clients. Whilst in the incubator, The Point increased their client portfolio and sales, and expanded their operations to the USA.
BlueBell Films is a versatile production company founded in 2020 by award winning filmmaker, Bhulla Beghal. As a result of their time in Creative Futures, they won a Warwickshire County Council public health tender to tell the stories of South Asian people in the pandemic, developed a live-streaming strand to business after collaborating with Saldo and delivered streaming services at the UKBAA and ScreenSkills events at 1 Mill Street.
Saldo delivers live virtual mental health and wellbeing training set up by Rory Cahill, a fully qualified Psychotherapist, Lecturer and Trainer. Saldo encountered major success being with Creative Futures collaborating with BlueBell Films to deliver on a online mental well-being sessions with for staff of video game developer, Coatsink. They received encouraging feedback, and secured future contracts with the gaming giant for more sessions.
Jessie Danger is a reusable fabric wrapping company led by Jessie. During her time with Creative Futures, she launched a B2B side of the business with bespoke corporate gifts, and worked with Make Good Grow on gifts as part of their launch event. Jessie Danger is establishing presence at markets and events.
Cohort 1
Common Story is a content creation company founded in January 2020 by award-winning producer/directors Beth Newell and Dom Sant. Whilst in the incubator, they pitched and won work with Open University, University of Warwick and a BBC Bitesize commission to produce a series of 23 short films for 11-14 year-olds. They have now taken on 9 new team members including placements from Warwick’s MCI course, interns and career changers from Create Central’s TV & Film bootcamps.
Open A cappella is a community-driven organisation with a mission to unite UK a cappella under one coherent umbrella and amplify the beauty of the raw voice. Since joining Creative Futures, they have secured a grant from Warwick Arts Centre for Young Black Voices project and launched the OAC Competition for 2022.
Icycle is an eyewear company with a difference. Created by a team of Warwick graduates on a mission to transform the manufacturing sector and make everyday products sustainable, not only with a minimised carbon footprint but with an ethical mindset from ideation to production. After being backed by over 100 people and raising more than £15,000 on Kickstarter, Icycle are ready for the next stage in their journey.
Blunt & Brave is a brand and digital content agency created to nurture brands with bold aspirations and a big thirst to grow. They collaborated on the Local Young Talent Festival with Creative Leamington, overseeing the digital marketing and feedback streams. They also were chosen as a preferred supplier for Coventry City of Culture.
Creative Leamington is a community interest company set up to offer a range of vibrant cultural events and programmes for both the creative and wider community. They worked hard to establish their value in the sector, set their consultancy rates and won the commission for the LYT Festival – working with digital content agency Blunt & Brave to deliver a highly successful month long event in May 2021.
Sound good? Book a call with the team to see how we can help your business grow!