Creative Sector Survey Results

So now what…

Data is great, but without action what good does it do us?

These are the direct actions that CTW are taking in response to the data and feedback we have received:

Target IT/Software/Computer Services: Develop specific outreach campaigns, networking events, and programs tailored to this major sub-sector. Forge partnerships with tech businesses and associations.
Diversify Demographic Reach: Implement proactive strategies to attract younger creatives, individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and D/deaf and/or D/Disabled individuals. Partner with educational institutions and community groups. Conduct accessibility audits
Boost CTW Visibility: Launch a comprehensive communications campaign to raise awareness of CTW (currently 29%) and its value proposition, especially networking (desired by 69%).
Diversify Networking Events: Offer varied event formats (online/offline, collaborative, social) to appeal to a wider range of sub-sectors and demographics.

Facilitate Access to Affordable Spaces: Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing/potential creative workspaces focusing on affordability, accessibility, and suitability. Create a public directory.
Meanwhile Use: Create a market for meanwhile use spaces within the borough for creative uses, matchmaking potential projects with spaces. Actively explore and advocate for innovative models for affordable creative hubs, potentially leveraging vacant properties or developing shared resource models. Complete and publish the Tunbridge Wells Meanwhile Use Policy and issue a call for spaces.
Future Development: Advocate for making spaces within future developments in both the town centre and wider borough, through planning restrictions and directing Section 106 contributions.

Tailored Business Support: Develop segmented programmes for freelancers (e.g., financial management, grant writing) and business owners (e.g., recruitment, market intelligence) addressing their specific barriers.
Address Enterprise Decline: Initiate a further research to understand the root causes of the 13.8% decline in TW creative enterprises. Develop targeted retention strategies and support for new enterprise formation.