Starting Up
Week 1: Workshop | 6 May, 18:00-19:30
Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is exciting, full of opportunities to grow and learn. This programme will guide you through the fundamentals of becoming a successful business owner, helping you lay strong foundations. A clear understanding of your ambitions and motivations is key. What inspires you? What do you hope to accomplish? By defining objectives with clarity and purpose, you can steer your business in alignment with your values. Speakers: Cherie Federico (Aesthetica Magazine), Brendan Paddison & Ann Gurnell (York Business School).
Being Your Own Boss
Week 1: Masterclass | 6 May, 20:00-21:00
Hear the story of Ariatu PR, founded by Ronke Lawal in 2004. The agency specialises in B2C industries, focusing on reaching Black audiences and connecting with African and diaspora communities. Ronke shares her journey of growing the business from its early beginnings, overcoming challenges, and establishing a strong, purpose-driven brand with clients in Canada, France, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and USA. She reflects on lessons learned, strategies for success, and how to create impact through creative communications. Speaker: Ronke Lawal (Ariatu PR).
Writing Your Business Plan
Week 2: Workshop | 13 May, 18:00-19:30
A business plan is vital for any new venture as it clarifies goals, acts as a roadmap, and helps manage risks. It also supports resource allocation, communication with stakeholders, and is a means of measuring progress. This hands-on workshop, led by York Business School, guides you through the process of structuring, writing, and presenting a professional plan. The aim of today's session is to provide a solid foundation for a sustainable, thriving business that can adapt and grow over time, in response to a changing world. Speaker: Ann Gurnell (York Business School).
Developing a Creative Business
Week 2: Masterclass | 13 May, 20:00-21:00
Charles Cecil, Founder and Creative Director of Revolution Software, shares insights from decades of building a globally recognised creative studio. He explores how to turn ideas into sustainable ventures, balance artistic vision with commercial realities, and cultivate innovation within teams. Drawing on his experience leading pioneering narrative-driven games and nurturing talent, Charles will discuss practical approaches to shaping culture, inspiring audiences, and building an organisation that thrives on storytelling and engagement. Speaker: Charles Cecil (Revolution Software).
Brand & Marketing (Part 1)
Week 3: Workshop | 20 May, 18:00-19:30
Creating effective marketing communications online is essential in a digital-first world. This session focuses on crafting a compelling online presence through websites and social media, highlighting what sets your brand apart. This workshop is led by York Business School and LazenbyBrown, a top branding and web design agency producing work in York and beyond. Learn to convey your value clearly and build engagement while reinforcing your brand identity in the digital space. Speakers: Dr Winojith Sanjeewa (York Business School) & Mat Lazenby (LazenbyBrown).
Building a Major XR Studio
Week 3: Masterclass | 20 May, 20:00-21:00
Jessica Wright, Managing Director of Peel X, shares her journey building one of the UK’s leading XR studios. She discusses launching the business, securing early clients, and assembling a multidisciplinary team to deliver award-winning AR, VR, and immersive experiences for museums, cultural institutions and global brands. Jessica reveals lessons on leadership, resilience, and scaling creative ventures, offering practical insights for founders and innovators looking to turn bold visions into thriving, impact-driven XR experiences and projects. Speaker: Jessica Wright (Peel X).
Brand & Marketing (Part 2)
Week 4: Workshop | 27 May, 18:00-19:30
Understanding your product and audience is key to building a successful brand. This session covers how to identify what customers want, define your brand identity, and communicate effectively. You’ll explore strategies for maximising your creative assets and connecting with a wide range of potential clients in meaningful ways. Today's workshop is about establishing yourself in your market. Learn how to cut through the noise and stand out from the crowd, whilst fostering audience relationships. Speakers: Ann Gurnell & Dr Winojith Sanjeewa (York Business School).
Working with Clients
Week 4: Masterclass | 27 May, 20:00-21:00
AY-PE is a pioneering tech company shaping tomorrow through innovative AV solutions. For over 15 years, AY-PE has powered multimedia experiences, exhibitions and campaigns, including collaborations with clients like The Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, and ITV. They exemplify understanding and delivering on briefs, consistently bringing messages, brands and missions to life. This session teaches how to balance client expectations with your creative vision, ensuring projects are successful while reflecting your style. Speaker: Helena Jones (AY-PE).
Developing Income Streams
Week 5: Workshop | 10 June, 18:00-19:30
Establishing diverse income streams is vital for business resilience and expansion. This session explores acquiring customers, identifying investment opportunities, and using funding effectively. You will learn how to analyse customer needs, tailor offerings, and use marketing and sales strategies to maintain loyalty. Available options include grants, public funding, private investment, and strategic partnerships. Today's workshop will explore these themes in-depth. Speakers: Ann Gurnell (York Business School), Louise Saw (City of York Council) and The Growth Hub.
The Entrepreneur's Story
Week 5: Masterclass | 10 June, 20:00-21:00
Alison Grade, founder of Mission Accomplished Ltd, helps creative professionals turn ideas into thriving businesses. She has transformed the creative sector through strategic insight and practical support, building a consultancy focused on training, mentoring and business growth for freelancers and SMEs in the creative industries. Grade’s expertise as an author, trainer and strategist has shaped thousands of creative careers and empowered entrepreneurs to succeed in business. This session explores her journey. Speaker: Alison Grade (Mission Accomplished Ltd).
Demystifying AI: A Practical Introduction
Week 6: Workshop | 17 June, 18:00-19:30
Phil Birchenall, Founder of Diagonal Thinking, introduces artificial intelligence in a clear, approachable way, explaining key concepts and terminology. Participants explore how AI can support daily business operations and gain insight into real-world applications across industries. The session examines AI’s potential, including creative problem-solving and workflow automation, helping businesses understand how to leverage this technology effectively. Speaker: Phil Birchenall (Diagonal Thinking).
Understanding the Impact of AI
Week 6: Masterclass | 17 June, 20:00-21:00
Generative AI presents opportunities and ethical challenges in creative industries. This session examines AI’s implications on culture, creativity, and business. Dr Suzanne Livingston, formerly of Wolff Olins and co-curator of AI: More Than Human, discusses integrating AI into strategy, highlighting best practices, risks, and benefits while guiding participants on responsible adoption within their creative enterprises. Speaker: Dr Suzanne Livingston (Strategist, Researcher and Coach).
Innovation & Design Thinking
Week 7: Workshop | 24 June, 18:00-19:30
Innovation drives every successful creative project. This session draws on Alison Norrington’s extensive experience as a writer, producer and founder of storycentral, where she develops transmedia and storytelling programmes with global partners. Norrington has worked across film, television, animation, publishing and immersive media, guiding teams to structure objectives and engage audiences. Learn her approaches to planning, setting milestones and navigating complex processes to deliver meaningful outcomes. Speaker: Alison Norrington (storycentral)
A Leading UK VFX Company
Week 7: Masterclass | 24 June, 20:00-21:00
Kit Monkman, Director, and Oswin Wan, Creative Art Director, share how Viridian FX became one of the UK’s leading VFX studios outside London. With a portfolio spanning Amazon, Netflix, Sky and HBO – including House of the Dragon – the studio exemplifies innovation, technical mastery and ambition. Learn how Viridian FX was founded, the strategies behind its growth, and the philosophies driving its team. Gain insights into challenges faced, collaborations built, and results that push the boundaries of storytelling. Speaker: Kit Monkman & Oswin Wan (Viridian FX).
Creative Project Management
Week 8: Workshop | 1 July, 18:00-19:30
Creative problem-solving enables teams to recognise unmet needs, generate innovative solutions and adjust to changing market demands in complex, fast-evolving industries. Using design thinking, businesses can stand out from competitors, enhance customer satisfaction and build long-term loyalty across diverse audiences and sectors. This session focuses on practical strategies for project planning, team collaboration and delivering solutions that directly address client challenges with measurable, real-world impact. Speakers: Brendan Paddison (York Business School).
Two Decades of Creative Leadership
Week 8: Masterclass | 1 July, 20:00-21:00
Chris Walker, Founder and Director of Bright White Ltd, has built one of the UK’s most respected design and interpretation consultancies based in York. Since 2004, under his leadership, the company has delivered imaginative exhibition design for major clients including the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, National Coal Mining Museum and Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. In this session, he shares his story, lessons learned over more than 20 years in the industry, and practical strategies that have sustained long-term growth. Speaker: Chris Walker (Bright White Ltd).
Networking & Relationship Building
Week 9: Workshop | 8 July, 18:00-19:30
Networking is essential for professional growth, creating opportunities to collaborate and build connections across industries. This session teaches strategies for forming meaningful relationships, maintaining reciprocity, and leveraging networks to expand business reach. You will learn practical approaches to help you connect with organisations, peers and mentors to strengthen your overall professional presence. Speaker: Ann Gurnell (York Business School) and Farah Hussain (Farah Networking).
Discover Confidence & Realise Potential
Week 9: Masterclass | 8 July, 20:00-21:00
Andrea Morrison, an experienced coach, supports clients in achieving personal and professional goals with clarity and confidence. Using active listening, insightful questioning, and practical exercises, she facilitates growth, resilience, and self-awareness. This session provides strategies to navigate the challenges of a start-up, helping participants build confidence, make decisions with purpose, and unlock their full potential. Speaker: Andrea Morrison (Life, Business and Leadership Coach).
Accountancy, Legal, HR & Employment
Week 10: Workshop | 15 July, 18:00-19:30
This interactive Week 10 session covers the essential aspects of finance, bookkeeping, and tax obligations, particularly for self-employed professionals. During the course of our Accountancy, Legal, HR & Employment workshop, you'll learn how to use software systems effectively, understand contracts, and manage your staff or freelance employees. Leadership principles, employment practices, and managing supplier or customer agreements are addressed in detail to ensure compliance, clarity, and operational efficiency. Speaker: York Business School.
Behind the Scenes of a Company
Week 10: Masterclass | 15 July, 20:00-21:00
Yorkshire Accountancy and Harrowells Solicitors guide participants through the everyday responsibilities of running a business. Yorkshire Accountancy shares expertise in bookkeeping, VAT, and account management, offering practical tips. Harrowells provides insights on legal duties, including compliance, intellectual property, data protection, and trademark management. This session equips participants with essential knowledge for smooth, legally sound, day-to-day business operations. Speakers: Yorkshire Accountancy and Harrowells Solicitors.
Strategies for Success
Week 11: Workshop | 22 July, 18:00-19:30
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, shares insights into holistic business planning, focusing on sustainable growth and development. This year's Creative Business Skills Academy participants will work both individually and in small groups to refine strategies for products, services, lead generation and client relationships. This session emphasises flexible planning, adapting to opportunities and leveraging the business plan to maximise potential and ensure long-term success in today's dynamic market environment. Speaker: Cherie Federico (Aesthetica Magazine).
Sales and Negotiation
Week 11: Masterclass | 22 July, 20:00-21:00
This masterclass equips participants with tools for effective sales. Cath Ellington – a business consultant and a lead mentor with Creative UK's Female Founders programme – focuses on pricing, presenting value and identifying key commercial opportunities. With over 30 years' experience managing radio stations and leading commercial teams, as well as assisting start ups with strategy, Ellington shares practical techniques to close deals – including negotiation tactics – whilst building strong client relationships and enhancing confidence. Speaker: Cath Ellington.
Scaling & Growth
Week 12: Workshop | 29 July, 18:00-19:30
The final module focuses on scaling businesses and refining strategic plans. In our Week 12 workshop, participants will explore growth strategies at local, national and international levels, identify resources and partnerships, and anticipate operational challenges. This session revisits business plans, ensuring they are practical, actionable and aligned with future expansion goals, preparing participants for growth and long-term success. Speakers: Ann Gurnell (York Business School) & second speaker TBC.
Starting from an Idea
Week 12: Masterclass | 29 July, 20:00-21:00
Today's speaker will share insights into building a successful business from the ground up. Masterclass participants will learn about their entrepreneurial approach, strategic thinking and innovation. Today's session covers challenges faced, early decisions, and lessons in leadership, providing valuable guidance on developing a recognised brand, achieving sustainable growth and transforming early ideas into enduring, impactful business ventures across competitive global markets. Speaker: TBC.
Graduation
Celebration and Event
We will invite you and your family to join us at our graduation event as the Creative Business Skills Academy comes to an end. It's a momentous occasion where participants celebrate their achievements and reflect on the knowledge gained throughout their journey. We will highlight the challenges overcome and the lessons learned, inspiring the cohort to embrace the future with confidence and resilience. Certificates will be awarded, symbolising the completion of the programme and the beginning of a new chapter. We will all leave with a sense of pride.
Mentorship
Follow Up Meetings
After completing the Creative Business Skills Academy, we are eager that the cohort stay in touch and work together to create a community of start-up businesses in the creative sector. We want to keep in touch with you and help you along your way as your business ideas develop. We will be organising a follow up meeting later on in the year to network and collaborate. We also encourage you to participate in the ongoing Reignite events and extend your reach across the wider business community ensuring cross-sector collaboration and cooperative working practices.