Great West Creatives Gets Funding

Hounslow announced as a Creative Enterprise Zone

Hounslow is one of just six boroughs successful in receiving grant funding from The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for the capital’s first ever Creative Enterprise Zones (CEZ).

The CEZ initiative, set up to support artists and entrepreneurs, will encourage the creative industry to grow while boosting jobs and training opportunities for local people.

Each of the six boroughs awarded CEZ status, will take on its own distinctive character and focus to enable the industry to thrive. They will be awarded a share of more than £11 million. Hounslow has won funding for its ambitious plans which include:

• Strengthening networks, engaging multi-national local businesses such as Sky, Disney, Paramount, to work closer with local creative and digital companies to boost opportunities
• Delivering specialist skills training and freelance and SME business support to ensure local residents, especially young people, and students from University of West London, have a clear route and access to opportunities in the creative sector
• Building on London’s hub for TV and Film production by unlocking new affordable production and studio space.

A total of 25 boroughs applied for the funding, with the six winning zones selected for their commitment to create more jobs for local people, while increasing affordable workspace.

Councillor Sue Sampson, Hounslow Council Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “It’s an exciting time ahead for Hounslow’s artists and small businesses who will have the opportunity to flourish thanks to this initiative. As one of just six boroughs to receive this funding, we very much look forward to seeing the creative sector shine in Hounslow, providing more jobs for our talented young people, opportunities for new businesses and room for growth and innovation.”

December 19, 2018