Launch of the Creative Business Skills Academy 2026

Join us on 5 May, 18:00–21:00, for the official launch of the Creative Business Skills Academy - an evening dedicated to celebrating innovation, collaboration and the future of the creative industries across our region.

This event will bring together established leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, and partners from across the ecosystem to explore how creative businesses are formed, supported, and scaled. Hear directly from our first cohort of businesses as they share their journeys - how they secured early traction, navigated challenges and built momentum in a fast-moving sector.

We’ll also welcome our new cohort, embarking on a 12-week programme designed to equip creative founders with the practical skills, confidence and networks needed to grow. Their participation reflects a broader regional commitment to nurturing talent and supporting innovation at every stage of the business journey.

The evening will situate these stories within the wider policy and economic landscape, reflecting on the Local Growth Plan and the Industrial Strategy, and how they are shaping priorities around skills, investment, productivity, and innovation. With the creative industries contributing over £145bn annually to the UK economy and employing 2.4 million people, the sector remains a key driver of growth, exports and regional opportunity.

This is a moment for our region to think bigger, act bolder, and embrace the ambition needed to compete on a national and global stage. Regional growth is national growth.A central pillar of this work is the partnership with Aesthetica and York Business School at York St John, which continues to play a leading role in connecting education with enterprise. Through new programmes and industry collaborations, the School is helping to develop the skills pipeline, support business growth, and foster innovation across the creative economy.

Leadership from Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School, alongside academic and industry partners, is helping to drive meaningful change in how the next generation of creative businesses are supported.

We are also proud to celebrate our region’s status within the global creative landscape, supported by UNESCO recognition - underscoring the cultural significance, heritage, and international relevance of our creative ecosystem.

Speakers include:

• Mayor David Skaith
• Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica
• Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School
• A panel of the 1st cohort from the Creative Business Skills Academy
• The new cohort of creative entrepreneurs