Weeknotes 3

Hello again,

I had October down as fairly blank in my workplan, thinking it would give me some breathing space ahead of delivery in November. But of course that just means the real work is happening now behind the scenes, so it’s something of a whirlwind week without much visible to show. Nevertheless, there were still a few highlights:

Highlights

• I joined John Whittingdale MP, Minister for Tourism and Creative Industries, and other tourism sector leaders at the Tourism Industry Council on Wednesday. This discussion focused on the creative industries and how they intersect with the visitor economy. There are obvious technological benefits to the tourism industry, including the hot topic of AI, but also greater use of QR codes, marketing and social media. However, I was delighted that their contribution to place was also very strongly recognised. Events and heritage attractions are obviously big drivers, but in fact creative industries are early colonisers of quirky heritage buildings being brought back into use through regeneration schemes. That enables further regeneration and improvement of the street scene, which improves the place’s offer to domestic and international visitors, as places like Stoke, Luton and Hull are demonstrating.

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• The next day, coincidentally, I joined the first meeting of the Creative Industries Council’s Growth Group looking at how we boost investment, growth, and exports among the creative industries. Most other representatives were either senior investment bankers/research councils or high tech creatives like the UK head of Google Play, so I felt a little out of my depth. However, I was able to contribute to the conversation around the complexity and fragmentation of funding, and how devolution may even challenge us further, even though it will also unlock greater potential for regional growth and specialism. It’s good to see local government being recognised at the table, and planning and regulatory roles are likely to also be relevant later on. A place group is being set up and I will be identifying relevant local government people and groups to be contacted about that. The surprise of the conversation was the opportunities for growth in green jobs in the creative industries, which seemed to enthuse everyone.

Positive progress

Staying on the devolution angle, I had a very good conversation with colleagues from across the LGA on what support we might provide to Combined Authorities as they look to add value to the cultural activities their component local authorities already provide; and bring extra tools to bear on growing the regional creative economy. It was an exciting conversation and we have some emerging possibilities that we will want to test with our contacts in the various Combined Authorities to see if they’re a useful offer. It seems clear from all party conferences that the devolution journey will carry on.

Things you might like to know

• We’re seeing an increase in contacts from councils and partners concerned about the implications of s114 notices, given that most culture, tourism and sport services are non-statutory. These conversations are obviously very sensitive and challenging for councils and communities affected, and it’s important to not drown them with support or demands, but we’re starting to see some thoughtful support offers developing from partners.
• I’ve plugged it already, but am still on a high from the success of our culture and sport improvement programmes; and the forthcoming event for Economic Portfolio Holders on the value of culture and creative industries is now almost full. Can’t wait to see it delivered.
• ? Lauren Lucas and Val Birchall have been working up what a strategic cultural network of local government people might look like, along the lines of the successful Local Government Partnership for Physical Activity. Still a way to go before a launch, but good to see the thinking developing.

Have a great weekend, everyone, and see you next week.