Investment in Cornwall & Devon

7 February 2025

University of Plymouth & Arts University Plymouth

Investment in Cornwall and Devon

Announcing the Big Creative UK Summit: Investment in Cornwall & Devon! Join us for a celebration of the Create Growth Programme and a showcase of the region's Creative Industries. The day will consist of bold conversations with industry-leading speakers, dynamic pitching, an exhibition of the creative companies supported by Creative UK, and insightful networking.

Registration is now closed.

If you would like to join the waitlist for this event, please contact lucy.ward@wearecreative.uk 

AGENDA

University of Plymouth

9.30am Arrivals & Expo of Creative UK Create Growth Businesses
10.45am Welcome Speeches

Creative UK host - Yasmin Jones Henry 

Executive Dean of University of Plymouth - Professor Chris Bennewith 

Arts University Professor-  Stephen Felmingham  

11am Creative Industries Keynote
Dawn Bebe, Founder, Co-CEO, Equality and Diversity Lead, Crowdfunder
11.30am Driving Growth in the Creative Industries: A Devon & Cornwall Perspective

Chaired by Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive, Falmouth University. 

Panellists: Joanne Evans (Creative Industries Consultant and Investor) Edward Tellwright (British Business Bank) & Lara Carmona (Director of Policy and Engagement Creative UK)

12:15pm Close of morning session and opening of second expo site: Arts University Plymouth

University of Plymouth

12.15 -1.30pm Expo open for Networking
1.15pm - 2pm The role of anchor businesses for industry success

Chaired by John Brown CEO Cornwall Chamber of Commerce 

Panellists: Chris Weavill (Hertzian) Lindsey Hall (Real Ideas)  Rob Davey (Silverstream) 

4.15 - 5pm Investing in imagination and innovation

Host: Deborah Watson (Innovate UK)  

Keynote by Steph Hammil (Innovation Consultant) 

Pitching  : MapYourEvent, Nautoguide Bosena, Filmily, Xig Xag 

Keynote by Rob Vickery (Angel Investor & Entrepreneur) 

5.15 - 5.30pm Closing Performances: Creativity follows the inspired

Yasmin Jones Henry 

Guest performers: Matthew Thomason, Sue Hill & Malaika Kegode 

5.30pm Networking drinks & nibbles

VJ/DJ Set by Mrs Animation 

Projection mapping on The Box  

Arts University Plymouth

12.45 - 2pm Lunch Networking & Expo open
2:15 - 3pm Female founder investment stories & live pitch event

Host & Speaker: Jody Tableporter (Director, Nations and Regions Investment Funds, British Business Bank 

Keynote: Dr Vivienne Heyhoe  (Wellspring Global) 

Pitches & Lighting Talk: Impossible Producing,  JamUp! ASONE, Top Stylista

3.15pm - 4pm How the screen industry is reframing regional success

Panel Chair: Mark Hewis (Aardman Animation & Academy) 

Lightning talk: Satya, Alucinari, MindFeast, Yellow Mouse, Engine House 

Panel: Denzil Monk (Bosena), Will Higbee (Screen Devon) Laura Giles (Screen Cornwall) Katie Goode (Triangular Pixels)  

3.30pm Peninsular Circular Economies in Design & Manufacture

FabLab Tour & Talk

Chair: Yasmin Jones Henry (Raeburn E20 & Financial Times Fashion Writer)  

Panel: Ben Mundy  (Fab Labs) John Mathers (British Design Fund), David Kirklands (Kirkland Fraser Moor Architects & DLab) Associate Professor Stephanie Owens (Arts University Plymouth) 

Additional activity

7.00 - 8.30pm Creative UK Short Film Selection | Devon & Cornwall

Date: Friday 7th February, 7pm - 8:30pm

Venue: Plymouth Arts Cinema 

A free screening of the best short film commissions in 2024, curated by Screen Cornwall, Screen Devon and Exeter Phoenix's Two Short Nights.  

Register for your place here. 

5.30 - 7.30pm - The Box Exhibition Launch

John Lyons: Carnivalesque and Wind Rush in the Far South West

Date: Friday 7th February, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (speeches at 6pm)

Venue: The Box Plymouth

All welcome 

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Attendees can explore opportunities for investment and growth, and hear more about commercial success and creative innovation right across the economy, driven by areas such as film, TV, music, fashion and Createch. 

  • Investment-Ready Opportunities: Access exclusive opportunities to invest in high-potential creative businesses, backed by innovation and commercial viability.
  • Strategic Insights: Gain insider knowledge on how national and regional government policies are actively supporting growth and shaping the future of the creative economy.
  • Proven Success Stories: See firsthand examples of scalable growth, driven by innovation and sustained by robust public and private sector partnerships.

This is a must-attend moment to connect with key stakeholders, network with industry leaders, and get inspired by the businesses shaping our creative future. Secure your tickets today.

LOCATION

📌 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH AND ARTS UNIVERSITY PLYMOUTH

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question?

What is your approach to accessibility?

We celebrate difference – respecting the humanity and creativity in everyone. We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation and industry by championing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, identities, talents and physical and cognitive differences.  

  

The Big Creative UK Summit: Investment for Growth aims to provide an accessible experience for our speakers, performers, and guests. We try to make sure that there aren’t any barriers that make it difficult or impossible for anyone to engage.  

   

We recognise there are many and varied requirements and if there is something we have missed, please bring this to our attention by emailing events@wearecreative.uk 

How can I get involved as a speaker, performer or partner?

Great question! We'd love to hear from you. To get involved as a speaker, performer or partner please email suzie.west@wearecreative.uk

What is the programme for the event?

Please stay tuned for updates, including the full programme, over the coming months.

Create Growth Programme
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Innovate UK
Cornwall Council
West of England Combined Authority
Devon County Council
Exeter City Council
Falmouth University
Plymouth Culture
Screen Cornwall
Torbay Council
University of Exeter
University of Plymouth
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