The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre: Investing in the Future

When it comes to maximising financial investment, The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre (FGIC) within Perth’s Creative Exchange presents a wealth of opportunities for individuals and enterprise. From partnership working to skills development and future-proofing business, this unique innovation hub aims to create positive economic, social, and cultural impact.

The FGIC was funded in partnership between Perth & Kinross Council, Edrington (The Famous Grouse), the Scottish Government, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Scottish Cities Alliance through the Smart Cities Programme, as part of the £4.3m Creative Exchange development.

And whilst day-to-day, the Centre provides a dynamic and energetic heart for the Creative Exchange development and its tenants, its purpose is far more wide-reaching with access extending beyond Perth and Kinross, and into the entirety of the Tay Cities Region.

Housed in the former gym hall of St John’s Primary School, the FGIC provides 150m² of dedicated space which can be hired for events, meetings, conferences, workshops, and training days, with a focus on the creative, digital and tech sectors.

The space boasts superb connectivity, video conference facilities, and a host of technology including a Roland benchtop UV flatbed printer, VLS series laser cutter, UltiMaker S5 3D printer, 27inch iMacs with 5k Retina display, 12.9inch iPad Pros, ThinkStation Nvidia Quadro P4000 Graphics PCs and more.

developed in partnership between Elevator UK – the largest private sector provider of business support in Scotland today – and Perth & Kinross Council.

Participants in the Accelerator programme are taken through carefully structured sessions which aim to equip them with a greater insight into the key building blocks of developing a successful and sustainable business.

The business cycle continues with investment opportunities via The Angel’s Share programme which is also run out of the FGIC. More on this on page 7.

Of course, to realise the full potential of this investment, and to ensure longterm economic gain, a sustainable skillsdevelopment pathway is required. To achieve this, an innovative suite of dedicated support programmes, which includes the Accelerator programme, has been

Research by Oxford Economics shows that before the arrival of Covid, the creative industries generated an economic footprint of £115.9 million, rising to £178 billion when supply chains are taken into account. Responsible for 3.5 million jobs, including their supply chain, for every £1 the creative industries contributed directly to GVA, a further 50p was generated elsewhere in the economy.

As we move into 2023, beyond the challenges of Covid and Brexit, towards an age of sustainability, technology and smart solutions, it is imperative that Perth stands tall in its strengths. Scotland has a focus on supporting the creative and digital/tech industries and has ambitions to become a world leader in policy in this area. Here in Perth, The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre is already on its way to becoming a rich resource for these communities of creatives as they develop, grow, and mature.

The financial investment has been made, and our strategy for futureproofing our creative industries, adding value to our city’s offer and unlocking entrepreneurialism, creativity and a clear and dynamic pathway for all who seek to tread it.

Enquire about the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre

Driven by PKC, the FGIC is open to those working in the creative and digital/tech sectors. There are key elements to the offer: flexible meeting and event space for hire for activities associated with the creative, digital and tech sectors; access to business and design hardware and software; plus support through PKC and business agencies including Business Gateway which is based at Creative Exchange.

Individuals and businesses wishing to utilise space or access technology for creative, educational, or commercial development should contact: fgic@pkc.gov.uk

The space is ideal for anyone working in Scotland’s creative industries: advertising architecture visual art crafts fashion and textiles design performing arts music photography film and video computer games radio and TV writing publishing heritage software cultural education

Are you a creative business owner or do you run a cultural social enterprise? Are you looking for new work space to grow?

Wasps has a number of office spaces available at Perth Creative Exchange - an inspiring home for artists, makers and creative industry professionals.

Offering flexible lease terms, 24/7 secure access, staffed reception, the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre business incubation space, meeting room hire and more.

Perth Creative Exchange is the perfect place for your business to flourish.

For more information: waspsstudios.org.uk

0141 553 5890