University plays key role in BIG South London Creative and Digital Innovation Cluster launch

Kingston University and the University of the Arts London (UAL) have joined forces to help develop a Creative and Digital Innovation Cluster offering businesses across South London opportunities to access research-based expertise.

The BIG South London Creative and Digital Innovation Cluster is bringing together small and medium-sized enterprises, sole traders and graduates keen to establish a foothold in the creative industries or digital technology space. It aims to build on existing creative and industry networks, boosting connectivity within the business community across five London boroughs – Kingston, Richmond, Croydon, Merton and Sutton.

Director Research and Knowledge Exchange for Kingston School of Art’s Design School Dr Kate Scott said the cluster would foster a vibrant community of like-minded creative businesses tapping into the latest insights from higher education providers to further their ambitions through upskilling, networking and sharing good practice.

"By working together, businesses and academics will be able to shape how the cluster can maximise innovation and collaboration," she said. "We need businesses of all sizes to get involved to create an ecosystem of successful collaboration."

The launch event included workshops, group discussions and activities with participants spending time reflecting on opportunities for business growth, sharing experiences and exploring what additional support was required to help the sector flourish.

Attendees included Duncan Raitt, director at award-winning animation studio Plastic Milk, who described the event as a valuable experience. "Joining the cluster as a member offers opportunities to network with other businesses, build community, overcome shared challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration," he said.

To keep up to date with future events and learn more about how business clusters can support economic growth and build