Creative East - UEA Innovation Funding

Creative East is a regional network for the creative industries in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It also runs an investment-readiness programme supporting ambitious creative businesses with tailored one-to-one support, masterclasses, mentoring and opportunities to develop investment and growth strategies.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY ABOUT CREATIVE EAST

Between 2021 – 2025 we developed and ran the first tailored investment readiness and business support programme for the creative sector across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. This free to access course helps ambitious founders gain the knowledge, experience and network they need to create investment opportunities and grow their business.

In 2025 it established the East of England Creative Industries Board.

113 FOUNDERS SUPPORTED

Across six cohorts in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

867 ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS

Tailored advice from programme advisors and specialists.

419 INTRODUCTIONS

Connections made to mentors and investors.

£1.6m RAISED

Funding raised by Creative East businesses since being involved with Creative East.

Creative East Website

CREATIVE EAST INVESTMENT READINESS PROGRAMME

Free to access investment readiness and business support programme connects creative businesses with the resources they need to grow.
Participants receive 1:1 support from dedicated advisors, a network of industry specialists, and masterclasses covering core business practices.
Networking and investment opportunities through cohort-based learning and connections with investors.
Pitch practice and feedback sessions to help founders refine their approach.

Creative East has opened my eyes to the various models of investment, giving me some foundational business knowledge that I was missing. It’s given me one-on-one time with experts, particularly in business structuring and contracting, which is truly invaluable.

Phil Coles
Blue Pigeon (Production Company)

The network accessed via Creative East from business mentors that were available for 1-2-1’s, to other business owners in a similar situation to me, meant that I felt I have been given real actionable support to get my business to its next phase.

Edwina Mullins
SocialB (Marketing & Skills Training Agency)

The programme has been great – lots of insights and I’ve met some great people with lots of guidance, wisdom and experience.

Rob Lawrence
Podcast Plus Ltd (Audio Production and Coaching)

100% recommend. The opportunity to connect meaningfully with great mentors is exceptional, the cohort is lively and supportive, the guest expert speakers are useful and relevant. It’s raised my game for sure. If you’re a creative company in the right regional area for Creative East – find out more. You won’t regret it. Honestly it’s been transformative.

Chloe Thomas
OneGlove Films

ADDING VALUE

The Creative East Investment Readiness Programme provides tailored support to each business to directly address growth ambitions.

The expert team works with each business individually, providing knowledge, tools and contacts to help them achieve their goals. Between 2021 – 2025 we delivered 136 in-depth workshops and supported founders across film, television and video; software, IT and games; advertising and marketing; design and fashion; music and performing arts; publishing; and crafts.

79% of participants said they were more likely to secure investment, and 100% reported a positive programme experience.

MEET THE TEAM

The East of England Creative Industries Board

This new group was set up in 2025 to bring together industry, academic partners, local and regional authorities and other knowledgeable supporters to work together to raise the profile, aspirations and ability to bring additional funding to the regional sector.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BOARD