Creative Alchemy
We offer specialist strategic and economic development consultancy within the Digital and Creative Economy. We produce robust strategies and business plans that reflect the importance of a ‘mixed economy’ of cultural, creative, social and tech enterprises in building sustainable places .
An approach tailored to your needs
No two projects are the same, and our project teams and approach will reflect that.
The Fifth Sector will go with you on the journey from initial concept through scoping, research, analysis, strategic planning, prototyping, operational development, market strategy to delivery. We understand that success results from embracing change and managing risk; we will work with you to fulfil your vision.
Our reports and plans are written in plain English.
We will guide you through the market and regulatory obstacles, offer appropriate advice and support, and introduce you to partners from our extensive international network who can contribute to your development and success.
Creative Alchemy
Research, strategies, and place making
Creative Enterprise in Culture Mile
(Agora by Richard Wentworth. Photo: Quintin Lake)
Creative Enterprise and Innovation in Culture Mile
Client: City of London Corporation
Iain led a team from BOP Consulting and Publica to develop an evidence base and business case for development of creative enterprise in Culture Mile, the City of London’s cultural district. The findings highlighted the potential for creative enterprise to contribute an additional £4 billion GVA and 50,000 jobs to the City of London.
Creative Enterprise and Innovation in Culture Mile - Executive Summary
Liverpool UNESCO City of Music
Developing a Liverpool City of Music Strategy
Client: Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council commissioned a study to develop a strategy for the growth of the city’s music sector and visitor economy, building on its status as a UNESCO World City of Music. Leading a team from BOP Consulting, Iain’s recommendations led to the creation of a UNESCO City of Music Office to support sector development and established governance, recruitment and operating structures for a Liverpool City Region Music Board.
Fashion District
East London Fashion Cluster
Client: Greater London Authority and University of the Arts London
The proposed relocation of London College of Fashion prompted the development of a feasibility study for an East London fashion cluster. Iain led a team from BOP Consulting, Oxford Economics and a group of international fashion industry experts to provide the sector mapping, business case and action plan which led to the establishment of a new Fashion District (www.fashion-district.co.uk) .
Creative Economy and Creative Places,
The visitor economy is one of this country's strongest performing sectors. Culture plays a crucial role to supports this sector by providing places to see art and enjoy the creative sector. It is important that we work towards creating the right conditions for a thriving visitor economy.
At the Fifth Sector we review the present situation and make succinct scenarios for for the visitor economy to grow to support the local community with jobs and prosperity. Focusing on strategic leadership, data and place-based studies as its evidence base.
Creative Economy projects
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Brand Narrative
Branding is at the core of our strategic work, something that you can seldom receive from a run of the mill marketing agency. At The Fifth Sector we understand what you need to gain from the process: we unearth the core values and present them to you in the best format, along with tools to help you incorporate the narrative in your Marketing Communications strategy.
Museum of Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool
Working with the National Museums in Liverpool to deliver high quality campaigns including Terracotta Warriors which achieved:
600,000 people viewed the Terracotta warriors exhibition
Contributed £78million to the local economy
Contributed 208,220 staying visits to Liverpool during it’s run
C2C Rail
National Express Group C2C Rail
Results driven, through digital communications and transformations we set a framework for commercial ROI.
With development of online systems for one of the worlds largest travel companies to sell ticketing and develop a sophisticated CRM system.