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. For more background on our vision of the future creative economy, check out our blog.
Creative Economy and Creative Places
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.
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.
Our reports and plans are written in plain English.
Research, strategies, and place making
dock10 Studios
MediaCity’s Createch Cluster
Client: Salford City Council
The Fifth Sector developed an innovative approach to social network analysis to visualise the relationships between companies, freelancers and institutions connected to the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub. The findings pointed to the need for a comprehensive realignment of the broadcast, animation, audio and immersive tech sectors in Greater Manchester.
For further details contact culture@thefifthsector.co.uk
Liverpool MusicFutures cluster
Liverpool City Region Music Mapping
Client: University of Liverpool
Working with Dr Mathew Flynn of University of Liverpool’s Institute of Popular Music and the Music Futures cluster, The Fifth Sector is embarking on an ambitious project to link mapping of the music sector carried out by University of Liverpool for the Liverpool City Region Music Board with social network and economic analysis to come up with a dynamic model of Liverpool City Region’s music ecosystem and the value it creates.
For further details contact culture@thefifthsector.co.uk
CoSTAR National Lab
Surrey+ Creative Constellation
University for the Creative Arts and Surrey County Council
Surrey and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most significant creative technology and production hubs in the UK, including Pinewood Studios, the Guildford games cluster and the CoSTAR national hub. The Fifth Sector has carried out extensive mapping and consultation to coordinate the activities of creative and tech clusters across the region to power. creative innovation and growth throughout the UK
Read the executive summary of our report here.
Creative Kirklees
Kirklees Creative Economic Impact
Client: Kirklees Council
New research from The Fifth Sector, published in the Kirklees Creative Economic Impact Report 2024, highlighted the £250 million contribution made by freelancers and microbusinesses to the creative economy in Kirklees.
Leicester CityFest
Leicester Creative Industries Strategy
Client: Leicester City Council
Leicester is one of the most diverse and dynamic creative clusters in the UK. The Fifth Sector carried out extensive research and consultation toward the development of a new Creative Industries strategy for the city, summarised in the Leicester Leading report of 2024.
MIMA, Middlesbrough
Tees Valley Creative Economy
Client: Tees Valley Combined Authority
The Fifth Sector’s mapping of Tees Valley’s Cultural and Creative Industries revealed a diverse and vibrant independent creative sector far larger than suggested by national statistics. Read the executive summary of the baseline report here.
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
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.
London College of Fashion
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) .
Read the East London Fashion Cluster executive summary