BEYOND Conference, the UK’s leading conference for research and development within the creative industries, is excited to announce that Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will provide a keynote speech at BEYOND’s 7th annual conference at MediaCity, Salford, in November.
The conference plays host each year to a unique and global gathering of current and future innovators, focused on research and development across the creative industries.
This year’s event comes from Salford, where the last decade has seen a transformation of Greater Manchester’s creative economy, now a key part of the north-west’s identity. It will explore the innovative potential of our Creative Cities, using MediaCity’s story as a launch pad amidst a new era in UK government.
BEYOND Conference looks forward to welcoming Andy Burnham, who has been vocal in his support of the creative industries, recognising the economic importance of this thriving sector in Greater Manchester and supporting regional creative businesses and talent.
Mayor Andy Burnham said:
“It is a great honour to be hosting this year’s BEYOND conference in Greater Manchester. Innovation and investment have been key to MediaCity’s transformation in recent years, and it now stands as one of the UK’s most important centres for the creative industries. We’re excited to be bringing some of the most innovative minds in the sector to Salford for what promises to be a fantastic event.”
More details of an exciting programme line-up are to be released over the coming weeks.
GM Business Growth Hub becomes Lead Local Partner
BEYOND is also pleased to announce a new Lead Local Partner, GM Business Growth Hub, a community of specialists with a passion for helping businesses across Greater Manchester to realise their full potential, working in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The GM Business Growth Hub is currently delivering the Create Growth Programme which is designed to help creative businesses unlock and develop their potential. With a buzzing community of creative businesses, Greater Manchester boasts one of the country’s leading creative forces and contributes an estimated gross value added (GVA) revenue impact of £1.4bn to the UK economy from culture and creative industries. Create Growth has been created to further develop what is already a thriving industry, helping creative organisations attract investment to grow their business sustainably.
Becki Coen, Digital, Creative and Technology (DCT) Programme Manager, GM Business Growth Hub, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with BEYOND 2024 and can’t wait to explore the innovative potential of Creative Cities, especially showcasing and discussing all the talent Greater Manchester has to offer.”
Register your interest by signing up to the BEYOND mailing list and be the first to hear BEYOND news and programme information.
Further information
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Andy Burnham was first elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester in May 2017, re-elected for a second term in May 2021 and a third term in May 2024. Responsible for shaping the future of Greater Manchester, Andy’s priorities for his third term include continuing to build a London-style integrated transport system, ending the housing crisis by 2038, offering a new technical education pathway as an alternative to university and creating a new Live Well service, making Greater Manchester a great place to grow up, get on, and grow old. Before being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy was MP for Leigh from 2001. In government, Andy has held Ministerial positions at the Home Office, Department of Health and the Treasury. In 2008 he became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, before returning to Health as Secretary of State in 2009. In opposition, Andy has served as Shadow Education Secretary, Shadow Health Secretary and Shadow Home Secretary. Andy lives in Leigh, Greater Manchester, with his wife and three children.
GM Business Growth Hub
GM Business Growth Hub’s Digital, Creative & Tech: Firing up businesses to connect, thrive and grow. The team are experienced industry specialists who have all worked in the sector have all been in your shoes and know what it takes to get your business where you want it to be.
BEYOND Conference
BEYOND is a conference where thinkers, makers, investors and researchers across the creative industries come together to explore the relationship between creative research and business innovation. Now in its 7th year, it has proved successful in showcasing individuals, teams and organisations powering ground-breaking projects and creative clusters both in the UK and globally. It draws positive feedback from its delegates and attracts a high number of regular visitors from around the world. Previous events have been held in London and Cardiff, hosting a wealth of leading industry speakers, including actor and activist Michael Sheen and ABBA Voyage producer, Svana Gisla. The conference features the Immersive Futures Lab, giving innovators a platform to put exciting XR prototypes, many featuring the latest VR and AR technologies, into the hands of new audiences and tell the stories behind their work.
BEYOND Conference Press Contact
Liz Alvey, Marketing and Communications Manager: [email protected]