CREATIVE businesses in Kirklees have launched a pioneering online project.
Creative Bubble has been set up to help small creative companies in the area compete with the big boys – by pooling their talents to bid for larger projects.
The Creative Bubble website has been commissioned by Kirklees Council’s communities and leisure department – and it is already reaping rewards for the businesses getting involved.
Web designer Dan Booth, who has been an active member since its start, said he had many strands to his business that were especially helped by Creative Bubble.
“I'm in the process of setting up a new website to sell my screen prints online,” he said. “I've been having really big problems taking good quality photos of the prints.
“I was on Creative Bubble and stumbled across a local photographer who provides photography tuition. So I got in touch and arranged the tuition.
“It turned out that she was looking for some advice on improving her website. I was able to give some advice which will lead to work for me in the future!”
Pam Lonsdale, a jewellery designer based in Mirfield, has been an active user for several months. She said: “I use Creative Bubble to publicise my projects and it has definitely generated interest for events and projects.”
Pam also runs the West Yorkshire Print Workshop in Mirfield and has been able to rent out workshop space as a result of posting on the site.
Colne Valley graphic designer Julie Davies not only designed the site logo, but has acquired work through the site including a longer term relationship with local marketing agency QT Creative.
Clare Quartermaine, managing director of QT, said: “The site gives us access to so much creative talent. These days, we need a diverse range of skills for our projects and so far we have found a talented graphic designer in Julie as well as commissioning photographers, a web developer and illustrators.”
Now the site has been opened up to the whole of Kirklees and anyone who has a creative business or who is a creative professional can join.
Kirklees councillor Jean Calvert said: “Creative Bubble is a unique project in that it is explicitly for Kirklees-based creative businesses.
“It is an ideal opportunity to get help and advice from others in the creative sector and for members to be able to share their knowledge and experience.
“I hope creative businesses get involved and help to build a supportive and well-connected creative community in Kirklees.”
Go to www.creativebubble.org to register
