Cause UK are the preferred consultants for The Key Fund’s Creative Industry Finance scheme and provide marketing and PR support to successful candidates.
Are you an artist or existing creative enterprise ready to get to that next stage of business success?
Traditional entrepreneurs and start-ups have access to angel investors. But what about the budding creative industries where it is not always business as usual? You don’t have to sacrifice your artistic vision. And you don’t have to move to London to make it in the world of fashion or art, thanks to an Arts Council funded scheme being piloted exclusively for creative businesses in the Yorkshire & Humber area.
Delivered by Creative Sector Services in partnership with Key Fund, the Creative Industry Finance scheme has been set up to help creative enterprises build a vibrant, sustainable future by offering access to finance and business support.
One year into the pilot and Yorkshire is already proving what can be achieved with the right support.
Rhian Kempadoo Millaris a fashion designer from Leeds who has reclaimed Yorkshire’s traditional flat cap. She’s managed to navigate the commercialisation of her vision and stick to her integrity to use only local, artisan producers and manufacturers to create her designs, thanks to access to finance through Creative Industry Finance.
After accessing a loan to create her bespoke designs, Key Fund put Rhian in touch with their PR agency Cause UK, to raise her profile. They helped arrange a feature in the Yorkshire Post magazine, which not only resulted in a special photo-shoot and profile with the magazine over four pages, Rhian became the magazine cover girl.
Since appearing in the press Rhian has been in huge demand, with a surge of orders and interest in her flat caps. A series of high profile fashion industry people have hooked up with Rhian – she’s also been invited to showcase her new collection at an event with none other than the Creative Director of Burberry, Christopher Bailey, at the Leeds College of Art.
More investment from Creative Industry Finance means she is now putting her business plan into action, with her winter series ready for sale and everyone from Lord and Lady Harewood to pop star Lianne La Havas, wearing her designer flat caps.
Creative Industry Finance is keen to hear from you if you have a creative enterprise you wish to take to the next level.
Your future is what you make it, with the right team and support – get in touch, email Key Fund Investment Officer Cathryn Chrimes to see how Creative Industry Finance can help you:
cat.chrimes@thekeyfund.co.uk or call 0114 242 8908
Or visit the website to find out more: http://www.creativeindustryfinance.org.uk/
Successful candidates please contact ann@causeuk.com for marketing and PR support.