New Course for Creative Industries

A ground-breaking new NES programme specifically designed for entrepreneurs in creative industries is being launched in Manchester this year.

NES is the New Entrepreneur Scholarship programme for which MMU Business School (MMUBS) is the regional contractor, and is run through the Centre for Enterprise.

MMUBS has teamed up with the Creative Industries Development Service (CIDS) to put together an in-depth programme of support for people who want to turn their creativity into a solid, successful business.

Manchester has the highest concentration of creative businesses outside London, and creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy.

The targeted new NES programme will start in February 2007 and provide a comprehensive package of support, mentoring and funding – specifically aimed at creative businesses. Entrepreneurs will receive part-time business support training lasting three months – either for two evenings a week or one day a week.

Following this, each scholar will move on to a less intensive ongoing business support stage lasting nine months. All NES scholars who complete the new programme and finish their business plans are eligible to apply for up to £1,500 of NES business start-up support to help them buy essential items.

“We're delighted to be working with CfE and MMUBS to put together a NES programme specifically for creative businesses in the area,” said Phil Birchenall, CIDS Services Manager. “It's vital that we provide the next generation of creative entrepreneurs the best possible support from the offset and I think the NES will do just that."

CIDS is a non-profit making limited company funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Northwest Development Agency, Manchester City Council and other regional partners, and helps new and established creative businesses in Greater Manchester.

To celebrate the launch of the new programme and to recruit entrepreneurs, NES and CIDS are holding a special event on 16 January 2007 at MMUBS from 6-9pm called ‘Focal Point - The Magic of the Perfect Pitch’.

“The event will feature a presentation from Stuart Nolan on pitching your ideas – an essential business skill whether you’re applying for the NES programme, speaking to potential financers or selling your work,” explains Phil. This will be followed by an opportunity to find out more about NES and how to apply, plus advice on other support organisations which can help you to set up a business.

Among his accolades, Stuart is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Technologies at the University of Huddersfield and a NESTA Fellow. He’s also studied magic at masterclasses with Paul Daniels and at the Las Vegas Mystery School, and uses these skills in his own pitches!

“We’re really looking forward to getting this exciting new programme off the ground.” said Dominic Martinez, NES Project Manager at MMUBS.

“The North West NES scheme is the biggest of its kind in the country, thanks to the input of all the partners involved. Working with our new partner, CIDS, this programme will further strengthen NES in the region and bring its many benefits to even more entrepreneurs in the creative industries.”

To be eligible, applicants must be over 18, have an idea for a successful creative business, and not trading already. People can also apply if they have a proven track record in their field, but feel their business skills need improving before they can set up. Applicants must live in an eligible area of Greater Manchester.


For event details or to find out more about the new programme, contact Rachel Pearson at MMUBS on 0161 247 3850 or email nes@mmu.ac.uk

For details about CIDS, visit www.cids.co.uk or call Freefone 0800 169 1143. Or contact Phil Birchenall on phil.birchenall@cids.co.uk or 0161 827 9702.