by Jerome Turner

On November 2nd, I attended The Big Debate as one of Birmingham City University's facilitators helping consolidate the ideas coming from the discussion.
The event highlighted a range of issues and opportunities. This is a response to some of them, including things that could be tried out pretty easily but also consists of a lot more questions... because as we all know, it's easier to ask questions than answer them.

By Kevin Johnson

I'm a little slower to post my thoughts after the Big Debate than the excellent analysis and follow ups from the likes of Dave Harte and Paul Bradshaw or the instant (and spot on) post from Andrew Brightwell. That's what comes of being a corporate comms type, wanting to have your thoughts structured and every dot and comma in their perfect place.

By Dave Harte

So the Big Debate on the future of the Creative Industries was fun wasn't it? A chance for us to get our heads together and proclaim to the world how great the West Midlands is at, well, erm, creative things. Well almost. It had the feel of a call to arms alright but some recurring themes emerged that need nipping in the bud. I say recurring because having been to such events in the past some myths get repeated which I reckon need debunking if we're ever going to be top dogs at, well, erm, creative stuff:

By Paul Bradshaw

The question is 'Can West Midlands creative industries revolutionise the UK Economy?' The answer is 'Yes, but'. And the 'but' is 'if we have the data to do it'.

What is data? Data can be anything from how many people are dying from a particular medical condition every year, to what your council spends their money on, or what time the number 33 passes your house.

Why is it important? Because it can create a new marketplace. And it's a marketplace that the West Midlands is already well positioned to benefit from.

By Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post Creative Industries Editor

There's some interesting discussions going on on at Clarity Digital sparked by the Big Debate's question around the role of the digital sector in the wider economy.

By Jason Hall, Screen WM.

Let's assume that the creative industries can revolutionise the UK economy. Let's further assume this is already happening. So the question is, how do we prove it? This is a big issue, because if you can't prove the impact, it's almost impossible to unlock the investment required to continue the good work.

By Mark Howells, Pebu.

When looking at the figurehead question of the Big Debate - "Can the Midlands' creative industries revolutionise the UK economy ?", I immediately ask myself why the question is not "Why the Midlands creative industries should drive the re-ignition of the UK economy".

As a partner in a business that works within the digital community of the Greater Birmingham Region, it is quite clear that the creative talent within the City matches, if not exceeds the aims and objectives of the City of Birmingham to become the "Digital Capital of Europe". Therefore, my thoughts on the debate are not so much "Can we do it?" than "We should be doing it already." before the opportunity to make a real impact becomes another "If only we had.........."

By Kevin Johnson, Urban Communications Limited.

As Joanna Birch's launch article highlighted, there are several excellent examples of interagency and intercompany collaboration. There is a great sense of community among 'creatives' and in particular among Birmingham's legion of digital experts and enthusiasts. Whilst there are 'mash ups' around ever corner in the sector I believe we need more intrasector collaboration and understanding.

By Lee Kemp, Managing Director at Fullrange

Hatch Communications in Leeds was recently appointed by Marketing Birmingham to carry out a sponsorship maximisation campaign for visitbirmingham.com. I'm sure it's a lucrative contract and as it's the first time rival football clubs have engaged in a joint pitch initiative it also marks an historic first. It's a big deal so congratulations to Hatch. The interesting thing about Hatch is that they're based in Leeds. A fact that hasn't gone unnoticed locally.

Should regional projects be reserved for regional companies? Or at the very least loaded in their favour?

By Kate Manion, Fazeley Studios

Fazeley Studios opened its doors December 2008 and launched in February 2009. It was the worst moment that you could imagine to launch a new development, probably the toughest lettings market in a generation. But already Fazeley Studios is 80 percent full and likely to be 95 percent full by the time the Brasserie launches this autumn.

Part of the reason for this has to be put down to the fact that it is designed specifically for a huge growth market: the creative and digital industries.