Our work
Mapping, strategy and evaluation for the creative economy: what we did, who for, and what it found.
MediaCity
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.
Liverpool City Region Music Economy Report (2026)
Client: Liverpool City Region Music Board
Working with Dr Mathew Flynn of University of Liverpool's Institute of Popular Music and the Music Futures cluster, Iain Bennett of The Fifth Sector developed an innovative methodology that combines social network and economic analysis to model Liverpool City Region's music ecosystem and the value it creates. Read the full report.
Surrey+ Creative Constellation
Client: 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 carried out extensive mapping and consultation to coordinate the activities of creative and tech clusters across the region. Read the executive summary.
Kirklees Creative Economic Impact
Client: Kirklees Council
Research 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. The 2026 report is due out this Autumn.
Leicester Creative Industries mapping
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.
Tees Valley Creative Economy Framework
Client: Tees Valley Combined Authority
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.
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