Launch of the Creative Business Skills Academy 2026

Join us on 5 May, 18:00–21:00, for the official launch of the Creative Business Skills Academy - an evening dedicated to celebrating innovation, collaboration and the future of the creative industries across our region.

This event will bring together established leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, and partners from across the ecosystem to explore how creative businesses are formed, supported, and scaled. Hear directly from our first cohort of businesses as they share their journeys - how they secured early traction, navigated challenges and built momentum in a fast-moving sector.

We’ll also welcome our new cohort, embarking on a 12-week programme designed to equip creative founders with the practical skills, confidence and networks needed to grow. Their participation reflects a broader regional commitment to nurturing talent and supporting innovation at every stage of the business journey.

The evening will situate these stories within the wider policy and economic landscape, reflecting on the Local Growth Plan and the Industrial Strategy, and how they are shaping priorities around skills, investment, productivity, and innovation. With the creative industries contributing over £145bn annually to the UK economy and employing 2.4 million people, the sector remains a key driver of growth, exports and regional opportunity.

This is a moment for our region to think bigger, act bolder, and embrace the ambition needed to compete on a national and global stage. Regional growth is national growth.A central pillar of this work is the partnership with Aesthetica and York Business School at York St John, which continues to play a leading role in connecting education with enterprise. Through new programmes and industry collaborations, the School is helping to develop the skills pipeline, support business growth, and foster innovation across the creative economy.

Leadership from Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School, alongside academic and industry partners, is helping to drive meaningful change in how the next generation of creative businesses are supported.

We are also proud to celebrate our region’s status within the global creative landscape, supported by UNESCO recognition - underscoring the cultural significance, heritage, and international relevance of our creative ecosystem.

Speakers include:

• Mayor David Skaith
• Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica
• Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School
• A panel of the 1st cohort from the Creative Business Skills Academy
• The new cohort of creative entrepreneurs

Event Format:

• 18:00 – 19:00 | Arrival & Drinks
• 19:00 – 20:00 | Panels & Talks
• 20:00 – 21:00 | DJ, Drinks & Networking

Expect engaging panel discussions, inspiring insights from across the creative sector, and valuable opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and innovators. The evening will close with a live DJ set, creating a relaxed atmosphere to continue conversations and build new relationships.

Come and be part of a growing movement. Let’s celebrate innovation, creativity, and the ambition driving our region forward.

Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Parking

There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.

We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected].

Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.

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We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.

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