Bristol Media – the membership organisation that has supported the city’s creative businesses and individuals for the past 15 years – has rebranded to better reflect the breadth and depth of the city’s creative community.
Now operating as Bristol Creative Industries, it aims to expand on its services to support the creative sector to learn, grow and connect. 
These include successful open-to-all and member-only learning and sharing events, workshops and training sessions that have enabled Bristol’s creative community to develop valuable skills and make important new connections.
Now with a heavily revised identity created by Bristol marketing agency Mr B & Friends - led by its creative director Kate Gorringe – and website by Bristol WordPress & Magento web development agency Appeal Digital, it can better reflect and support the creative sector and wider city profile, both of which have changed significantly over the past 15 years.
Bristol Creative Industries points out that today the city is home to one of the UK’s largest, most diverse and creative communities – from world-leading animation, film, TV, AR and VR to brilliantly creative advertising, PR, social and digital agencies and freelancers, event production and more.
The rebrand aims to showcase Bristol as a hotbed of innovative thinkers, creative dynamos and world-class talent while continuing to support the city’s creative sector to learn, grow their businesses, connect and develop its talent.
It is also as looking to expand its leadership team to ensure the organisation is fit for the future. 
The new-look website is offering members an enhanced platform to showcase work and share thought leadership.
A 600-strong member directory provides the opportunity to promote specialist skills and offers, enabling the creative community to seek out talent and members to boost career opportunities, offer their services and build new connections and collaborations.
Bristol creatives will continue to benefit from the jobs board along with an expanded events programme featuring experts and innovators who will share experience and insights.
Recent online sessions have proved popular with members, so plans are in place to continue hosting a variety of virtual keynotes, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year.
Bristol Creative Industries chair Chris Thurling, pictured, said: “Since 2005 Bristol Media has done a great job supporting the sector, but the name simply didn’t reflect the offer.
“Bristol may be known for Banksy, Gromit and Brunel, but in between the cider, boats and balloons we nurture a hugely diverse network of creative talent that is ever-expanding in scale of offer and of ambition.”
He said with a focus on supporting Bristol’s creative sector to grow, learn and connect, it was important the organisation’s name embraced and attracted as many creative businesses and people as possible.
“We’re here to support everyone – agencies, individuals, creators, contributors, beneficiaries, supporters and influencers. Quite simply, if you work in the creative sector and want your business and skills to thrive and develop then Bristol Creative Industries is for you,” he said.
“Along with our new name we wanted a look and feel that would get noticed and get remembered. We’re delighted we’ve achieved both big ambitions. It’s confident and creative.”
As part of Bristol Creative Industries’ push to showcase, connect and support the city’s creative sector in the region and beyond, it is actively seeking additional board members.
Bristol Creative Industries’ directors will continue to act as ambassadors for the city and the sector, sharing Bristol’s creative stories and working to attract further support for initiatives.
Its voluntary executive board, which includes BAFTA winners, tech trailblazers and creative pioneers, will continue to provide support and guidance.
They will be joined by a new advisory group to help build the offer and support the sector further.
More details on how to apply for the advisory group will be announced in the next few months.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of Bristol Creative Industries, applying for a position on the board, or would like to discuss speaker opportunities, can email hello@bristolcreativeindustries.com visit www.bristolcreativeindustries.com for more information.
