People involved in the creative industries of Shetland are invited to attend Lerwick Town Hall on Thursday April 17 for the launch of the 'Creative Industries in Shetland' study.
The study was commissioned by the Shetland Creative Industries Unit (SCIU) and carried out by consultants EKOS Limited to provide a more detailed understanding of the development of Shetland's creative economy.
The networking opportunity follows on from last August's successful event at Lerwick Town Hall when around 100 people involved in the creative industries met to explore the industry's potential to become one of the top five economic sectors in Shetland.
Brian McLaren of EKOS will present the findings on Thursday evening from 7pm and Gwilyn Gibbons, chair of the SCIU will highlight what the next stages are as a result of the report findings. The presentations will be followed by a networking opportunity for creative industry contacts and the agencies dedicated to this sector's development.
Gwilym Gibbons said: "We believe our creative industry sector could become one of Shetland's top five economic sectors within five years which will contribute a significant secondary economic benefit to the tourism and hospitality sector. The added benefit is a wider incentive for inward investment, innovation and sustained growth of the knowledge economy."
Since the late 1990s, the creative industries have continued to be one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. According to a recent report published by NESTA the creative industries grew by an average of six per cent each year compared to an average of three per cent for the economy as a whole.
According to the EKOS study it is estimated that the creative industries in Shetland account for 367-460 jobs with an annual turnover of £25million.
Confidence in the sector is relatively strong and industry consultation feedback indicates that the sector has a number of clear and distinctive strengths however, there is also evidence of key barriers to future development. The study details initial recommendations for the development of Shetland's creative sector and during the event the SCIU will indicate their next steps. Mhari Pottinger, development manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise's (HIE) Lerwick office said: "We have a vibrant community of creative people here in Shetland, and they all have the potential to achieve further wealth for the islands through employment.
"The creative industries are one of six key sectors highlighted in the Government's Economic Strategy for Scotland and HIE has recently reinforced this through identifying the industry as a priority for future support.
The arrival of broadband has allowed remote communities to access wider markets, and this offers a great opportunity for those choosing to live, work and study in Shetland. Promoting Shetland as an inspirational environment aims to build on the success of home grown businesses and actively seek and attract new creative industries to Shetland."