Creative Economic Conference

09:00-09:30 Registration

The BLF team are delighted to welcome you to the Creative Economic Conference. Collect your personalised delegate badge and begin the day with a refreshing selection of teas and coffees over the first opportunity of networking.

09:45-10:00 Welcome

Great Hall

Join us in the Great Hall as we commence the 2023 Creative Economic Conference with a warm welcome from Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, and Sir Richard Lambert, Chair of the Board, Bradford Literature Festival and Chairman, Bloomsbury Publishing.

Great Hall

In this special event Peter Arnold, EY UK Chief Economist, will launch the refreshed EY Item Report. Peter will give an overview of our national economic activity before focusing his expert eye on the current economy of the North. While these contemporary conversations can often sound bleak, Peter will speak on creating positive outcomes: where, as a region, are our strengths; in what sectors are we world-leaders – and how can we grow these; and how can the North mirror London’s “recession proof” sectors? 

Folllowing the EY Item Report, Peter will be joined by Caroline Norbury, Founding Chief Executive of Creative UK, and Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, to respond to its contents.

This session will be chaired by Sir Richard Lambert, Chair of the Board, Bradford Literature Festival and Chairman, Bloomsbury Publishing.

Norcroft Lounge

Discover how to get started in making your very own films from turning your fresh, exciting ideas into engaging scripts to exploring your funding options. At this early stage of development, it’s key to ensure you’re laying the best possible groundwork for success and this session will give you the tools to do so.

Our panellists include screenwriter, Clare Perry; director and screenwriter, Ben Mole, who has show-run a $20 million TV series; and BAFTA and Emmy nominated creative producer and Senior Talent Executive at Screen Yorkshire, Jo Schofield. Together they will give an introduction into getting your film off the ground, discussing scripts, budgeting, developing and funding, before taking a closer look at the different financial models available to independent film producers in the UK.

The Film Production Day is chaired by independent producer and distributor, David Wilkinson, whose most recent documentary, Getting Away with Murder(s), was The Guardian’s Number One in 2021.

The Way Forward in UK Arts and Culture

Great Hall

Arts and culture across the UK are experiencing times that are both incredibly exciting and dauntingly challenging. Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, audiences have slowly re-built the confidence to experience live performances again, and artists are hungry to re-engage with a world that we feared we would never see again. This rekindled joy of creating and experiencing culture, though, has been endangered by the threat of recession, a cost-of-living crisis like no other, and shrinking budgets across the sector. 

But where does that leave the artistic and creative sectors?

Our impressive line-up of panellists Andy Haldane, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society of Arts; Waqās Ahmed, Executive Director at The Khalili Foundation; and Caroline Norbury, Founding Chief Executive of Creative UK, will come together to share what’s new and exciting on the cultural horizon. They’ll discuss the current and emerging strengths of the culture sector; forecast how the recession will impact creative industries; and examine how we can best move forward to continue to support art, artists, and audiences in this challenging landscape.

Are The Railways Key to Regeneration?

Small Hall

If infrastructure investment were delivered to its fullest extent, what would the potential positive impacts be across the North of England? Both businesses and individuals could experience huge benefits – and we ask – what would those look like, and what path can we take to get there? This robust discussion on regeneration through railways will focus on Bradford as a key case study.

Our expert panellists including Susan Hinchcliffe, City of Bradford Councillor and Chair of the Transport Committee; Martin McTague, National Chair of Federation of Small Businesses; and Rob McIntosh, Managing Director of Network Rail will discuss how  investment in transport infrastructure could revitalise all areas of the local economy and support local regeneration.

Understanding Your Audience: Josh Akapo and Jared Shurin in conversation

Norcroft Auditorium

You’ve got the art, you’ve got the artists, but where are the audiences? Award-winning strategist and researcher, Josh Akapo, and Head of Marketing at the Greater London Authority, Jared Shurin, share their understanding of the people that come together to create the very thing arts and culture needs most: audiences. 

By understanding audiences – their wants, needs, motivations, and barriers to access – organisations and artists can equip themselves to put their best foot forward when enticing a wide variety of people to their doorstep. With Josh Akapo’s focus on people, culture, community, and radical social purpose – and with previous clients such as Stormzy, the NHS, Converse, and University of the Arts London – you are sure to gain a deeper understanding of, and thus marketing to, your target audiences.

Take up this opportunity to chat, relax, and enjoy some refreshments at our Creative UK Networking Lunch with Caroline Norbury, MBE. 

Caroline is the founding Chief Executive of Creative UK and, like Creative UK, has dedicated her time to championing the creative industries. This membership organisation is a leader in investing in and supporting creative ideas, talent, and businesses, and aims to harness the power of the creative sector to build a fairer and more prosperous world. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to reflect on the day’s activities so far over lunch, make new professional connections, discover more about Creative UK and how you can benefit from joining them.

Black Lives Matter 3 Years On: Where Are We Now?

Great Hall

It has been 3 years since the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white police officer, sparked global outrage. Protests spread through America and the rest of the globe, and the world rallied in the hope of ending racial inequality forever.

The Attorney General of Minnesota, Keith Ellison, who prosecuted the case joins Hilary Carty, Executive Director of Clore Leadership, and Ismail Alma, Executive Vice President Professional Services at NCR Corporation, to reflect on the impact of George Floyd’s death and consider the political and social impact it has had on the business and creative sectors.

This panel will be chaired by Sukhy Johal, Director for the Centre of Culture & Creativity.

Damian Bradfield in conversation with Jared Shurin

Small Hall

Throughout his career, Damian Bradfield has always understood the power of artistic and creative thinking, championing it as a tool throughout his incredible and varied career. Now, as the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of WeTransfer and WePresent, he parts his deep belief in using artistic and creative thinking as a tool in business. 

Jared Shurin, author and Head of Marketing at the Greater London Authority, will join Damian as he delves into what artistic thinking really means, sharing how he has centred it in his approach to business in order to begin and grow one of the world’s most successful tech companies in history.

Business of Books

Norcroft Auditorium

Experts of the book trade, including Sara Razzaq, Submissions Director at Fox & Windmill, reflect on the current state of UK publishing and the ever-evolving landscape of the book trade, providing specialist insight into the latest trends shaping the industry’s future.

From innovative technologies to emerging business models, the panel will take a deep dive into the strategies driving success in the publishing industry today.

Film Production Day: Production

Norcroft Lounge

Leading independent filmmaker, Simon Rumley, gives a 101 on all things production and getting your film made.

Simon will answer what it means to go into production, how to best approach potential problems filmmakers realise when facing their ambition, and how to bring yourself a step closer to having your film in front of audiences everywhere.

The Film Production Day is chaired by independent producer and distributor, David Wilkinson, whose most recent documentary, Getting Away with Murder(s), was The Guardian’s Number One in 2021.

Rachel Reeves in conversation with Andy Haldane

Great Hall

Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer joins Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and CEO of the Royal Society of Arts, in this remarkable event, examining the pressing issues that are shaping our economy, politics, and society.

This thought-provoking discussion will explore unique perspectives and visions for the future, addressing crucial topics such as inequality and navigating economic challenges. Prepare to be inspired by fresh perspectives and actionable ideas.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these brilliant minds shaping policy and driving change. Get ready to ignite your intellect, gain new perspectives, and contribute to the transformative conversation ahead.

Roundtable Discussion on A.I.

Small Hall

The use of A.I. technologies has swept the globe in 2023, impacting industries from arts and culture to science and medicine, and further afield. Its swift arrival into international conversations has taken many of us unawares, but now is the time to bring the discussion around A.I.  to the table and move forward, together, with a shared understanding.

Join the table with for what’s sure to be a dynamic discussion with Damian Bradfield, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of WeTransfer and WePresent; writer, artist, and creative strategist, Michael Salu, who has produced creative and critical work on technological and geopolitical changes in society and culture; award-winning strategist and researcher, Josh Akapo; and AI Leader and Ethicist, Founder, and Serial Entrepreneur, Sherin Mathew, who has a deep-rooted passion for AI Strategy and Intellectual Privacy.

Be part of the conversation, share and gain knowledge, and pose questions with others who are feeling and experiencing the significance of A.I. Together, we will engage with how A.I. is already impacting the world and how it can be used in an altruistic, ethical way. We’ll also engage with the boundaries of A.I., discussing the philosophical implications of its usage in both personal and professional settings, and sound out where the border is between real and irreplaceable human thinking and this new technology.

Business with India: Trade Relations Roundtable

Norcroft Auditorium

Brexit turned Britain’s trade relations upside down, with negotiations and renegotiations leaving confusion at every turn. As the dust begins to settle, the UK is looking past its European borders and investigating possible new trade relations across the globe. 

At this exciting roundtable discussion, you are invited to join the conversation with Amish Tripathi, Minister (Culture & Education) at the High Commission of India, and Director of the Nehru Centre, London. If you’re a business leader who wants to trade with India, then this event should be at the top of your list.

This roundtable discussion is chaired by Sharon Jandu OBE, Founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) and Project Director of Northern Asian Power (NAP).

Film Production Day: Sales & Distribution

Norcroft Lounge

You’ve poured your heart into making your film a reality: you’ve written the script, sourced your funding, completed production, and now, finally, the film is finished. But, in many ways, the most difficult part of an independent film’s journey is still to come: sales and distribution.

Film booker and UK distributor, Jonny Tull, and international sales agent, Gary Phillips, bring the world of sales and distribution to life in this final film industry event. Learn the secrets of getting your film into film festivals and how best to target organisations that can connect your film to audiences and international taste-makers.

The Film Production Day is chaired by independent producer and distributor, David Wilkinson, whose most recent documentary, Getting Away with Murder(s), was The Guardian’s Number One in 2021.

Great Hall

Bradford is home to an ever-growing raft of exciting entrepreneurs, emerging artists and arts organisations, and the perpetual change in the city’s cultural landscape is truly remarkable.

Bradford’s winning bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 illustrates the hard work that has gone into galvanising the cultural sector, and the City of Culture status will be truly transformational for Bradford. As well as creating exciting, innovative cultural and artistic events which will have an impact on the national cultural landscape, the boost for the local and regional economy will be invaluable.

As Bradford gears up to take on the City of Culture mantle, we hear from Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, on the plans to build a lasting cultural and economic legacy that will benefit Bradford, the region, the North, and beyond.

Finish the day over a drink to cement your new connections, unpack the wealth of learnings, and celebrate your contributions to our creative economic landscape.

Be sure to share highlights of your day by tagging @bradfordlitfest #CreativeEconomicConference