Why we did this?

The UK has some of the world's best and brightest creative talent. However, many founders of creative businesses face a daily mix of challenges when trying to grow their business and it can sometimes be difficult for founders to access trusted, credible sources of advice.

Helping founders navigate the pitfalls of growing a creative business while equipping them with the skills to grow the business to its full potential not only benefits the business but the wider UK economy.

What we did?

Our Creative Business Mentor Network provided access to a large number of experienced, commercially successful and dynamic business leaders and entrepreneurs who support and challenge ambitious companies, helping them build the foundations for business growth.

Companies invited to join the Network were given the rare opportunity of working one-to-one with a mentor. Some of the mentors in the Network included Charles Wace, non-executive chairman of Twofour and non-executive director of Boom Pictures; Tim Bevan, CEO Working Title Films; Chris Hirst, CEO, Grey London and BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Ruth Wrigely of ALL3MEDIA.

Who we were looking for?

Our network supported the founders of emergent and/or established creative companies with ambitions for growth. To be considered companies needed to meet the following criteria:

1. registered company in the UK
2. minimum of three years trading with year on year growth
3. working within one or more of these sectors - advertising, film, TV, digital media or games
4. minimum turnover of £1m

Findings

Read our report on the impact of mentoring on a group of creative businesses participating in Nesta’s Creative Business Mentor Network.

Got a question?

Drop us an email at: [email protected].