The group will now embark on a 9-month programme of initiatives to help them clarify their vision, gain sector specific knowledge, obtain tools for making the business sustainable, meet likeminded peers and receive tailored mentoring to prepare for investment. The West Midlands Create Growth Programme is funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and delivered by Creative UK in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central.
Introducing the stage two cohort:
Art.Quarter
Art.Quarter, strategically located in Birmingham’s Digbeth, is an innovative hub that revitalises the traditional high street with a unique blend of retail, hospitality, and a pioneering first-floor incubator and training centre. Founded by Jordan Patel, this 20,000 sq ft venue repurposes a historic 1930s building to address urban decline and foster a vibrant community. It’s designed to draw people in with its ground-level offerings and engage them further with its core mission upstairs: nurturing creative talent and entrepreneurship among Birmingham’s youth. By collaborating with key stakeholders like Birmingham City Council and academic institutions, Art.Quarter aims to spark economic growth and cultural inclusivity. This project stands as a cornerstone for creative development and economic resurgence in Birmingham, blending cultural expression with business innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Website: https://artquarterbirmingham.co.uk/
Bored Wreckers Inc.
Bored Wreckers Inc make board games that push the boundaries.
Website: https://boredwreckersinc.com/
Borro It
Borro aims to make both parenting, and saving the planet, easier by renting baby and kids’ clothes. Founded in 2021 by a mum of two frustrated with the lack of sustainable, easy and affordable options for her baby, Borro has helped parents save hundreds of pounds and hundreds of kg of CO2e emissions. Borro takes the hassle out of managing your little wardrobes with free returns and stain insurance included!
Website: www.borro-it.com
Art.Quarter
Art.Quarter, strategically located in Birmingham’s Digbeth, is an innovative hub that revitalises the traditional high street with a unique blend of retail, hospitality, and a pioneering first-floor incubator and training centre. Founded by Jordan Patel, this 20,000 sq ft venue repurposes a historic 1930s building to address urban decline and foster a vibrant community. It’s designed to draw people in with its ground-level offerings and engage them further with its core mission upstairs: nurturing creative talent and entrepreneurship among Birmingham’s youth. By collaborating with key stakeholders like Birmingham City Council and academic institutions, Art.Quarter aims to spark economic growth and cultural inclusivity. This project stands as a cornerstone for creative development and economic resurgence in Birmingham, blending cultural expression with business innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Website: https://artquarterbirmingham.co.uk/
Bored Wreckers Inc.
Bored Wreckers Inc make board games that push the boundaries.
Website: https://boredwreckersinc.com/
Borro It
Borro aims to make both parenting, and saving the planet, easier by renting baby and kids’ clothes. Founded in 2021 by a mum of two frustrated with the lack of sustainable, easy and affordable options for her baby, Borro has helped parents save hundreds of pounds and hundreds of kg of CO2e emissions. Borro takes the hassle out of managing your little wardrobes with free returns and stain insurance included!
Website: www.borro-it.com
Butterfly Books
Butterfly Books are a social Enterprise that write children’s educational picture books. We aim to counter gender stereotypes in the workplace whilst also raising awareness on what various professions entail. Our books are aimed at children from a young age, in order to plant the seed for potential future career choices.
Website: https://butterflybooks.co.uk/
Centrala
Centrala champions the inclusion and well-being of Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrant communities in England through arts and culture. Our mission is to foster social integration and cohesion by bringing together diverse communities to experience, debate, and connect with high-quality art and events. We advocate for a society where CEE communities are integrated and their cultural contributions are recognized and appreciated. From our beginnings as a community organization, we have evolved into a vibrant space for top-notch events, art, and discussions, embodying our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and effective communication. These values guide us in creating a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued.
Website: https://centrala-space.org.uk/
Digbeth Podcast Studio
Brand new podcast and video podcast production company.
Website: https://digbethpodcaststudios.com/
Butterfly Books
Butterfly Books are a social Enterprise that write children’s educational picture books. We aim to counter gender stereotypes in the workplace whilst also raising awareness on what various professions entail. Our books are aimed at children from a young age, in order to plant the seed for potential future career choices.
Website: https://butterflybooks.co.uk/
Centrala
Centrala champions the inclusion and well-being of Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrant communities in England through arts and culture. Our mission is to foster social integration and cohesion by bringing together diverse communities to experience, debate, and connect with high-quality art and events. We advocate for a society where CEE communities are integrated and their cultural contributions are recognized and appreciated. From our beginnings as a community organization, we have evolved into a vibrant space for top-notch events, art, and discussions, embodying our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and effective communication. These values guide us in creating a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued.
Website: https://centrala-space.org.uk/
Digbeth Podcast Studio
Brand new podcast and video podcast production company.
Website: https://digbethpodcaststudios.com/
Ghost Dog Films
Ghost Dog Films is a video game and film company based in Shropshire, creating original IP, narrative digital products for a worldwide audience.
Website: www.ghostdogfilms.com
Heroic Studios
We are a creative studio and video production house creating high-impact films with big production values to build and promote purpose-driven brands and organisations.
Website: www.heroicstudios.co.uk
Horizon Collective
We are a content creation and creative advertising company based in Coventry, West Midlands. We specialise in shaping ideas to communicate, provoke, think, and reach the modern audience with storytelling at its heart. We have worked with multiple organisations nationally and internationally, and our work is not just limited to digital content but also expands to developing projects across scripted and broadcast content.
Website: www.horizoncollective.com
Ghost Dog Films
Ghost Dog Films is a video game and film company based in Shropshire, creating original IP, narrative digital products for a worldwide audience.
Website: www.ghostdogfilms.com
Heroic Studios
We are a creative studio and video production house creating high-impact films with big production values to build and promote purpose-driven brands and organisations.
Website: www.heroicstudios.co.uk
Horizon Collective
We are a content creation and creative advertising company based in Coventry, West Midlands. We specialise in shaping ideas to communicate, provoke, think, and reach the modern audience with storytelling at its heart. We have worked with multiple organisations nationally and internationally, and our work is not just limited to digital content but also expands to developing projects across scripted and broadcast content.
Website: www.horizoncollective.com
Indigo Cultural Consulting
Indigo Ltd is a specialist consultancy working in the arts, heritage and cultural sectors across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in projects involving marketing, audience development, segmentation, branding, research and consultation, strategic planning, fundraising and organisational development. Our award-winning Indigo Share programme has been used by over 700 UK cultural organisations and provides up to date audience insight to support individual organisations to be more audience focused.
Website: www.indigo-ltd.com
Liminal Stage Productions
Liminal Stage Productions is a Warwickshire-based stage, screen and immersive production company generating original content and exhilarating experiences at the intersection of live and recorded media with emerging technologies.
Website: https://www.liminalstage.com
Mercurial Dance
We Move People. At Mercurial Dance we believe that dance has the power to change lives, and that if more people danced, for pleasure, and discovered their movement voices they (and the world) will be a happier, healthier place. To inspire this we create shows, run workshops and make digital experiences that get people moving.
Website: www.mercurialdance.co.uk
Indigo Cultural Consulting
Indigo Ltd is a specialist consultancy working in the arts, heritage and cultural sectors across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in projects involving marketing, audience development, segmentation, branding, research and consultation, strategic planning, fundraising and organisational development. Our award-winning Indigo Share programme has been used by over 700 UK cultural organisations and provides up to date audience insight to support individual organisations to be more audience focused.
Website: www.indigo-ltd.com
Liminal Stage Productions
Liminal Stage Productions is a Warwickshire-based stage, screen and immersive production company generating original content and exhilarating experiences at the intersection of live and recorded media with emerging technologies.
Website: https://www.liminalstage.com
Mercurial Dance
We Move People. At Mercurial Dance we believe that dance has the power to change lives, and that if more people danced, for pleasure, and discovered their movement voices they (and the world) will be a happier, healthier place. To inspire this we create shows, run workshops and make digital experiences that get people moving.
Website: www.mercurialdance.co.uk
Momiji
Momiji, a brand conceived in 2005, has left an indelible mark on the global market, having sold well over a million friendship dolls worldwide. Our journey began with supplying retail stores and distributors, leading to Momiji becoming the top gift brand in John Lewis and earning prestigious licenses with Marks & Spencer and Pop Mart. Collaborations with various partners have further solidified our presence in the industry. Throughout our journey, our commitment to great design, wholesome values, and evolving ethos has remained unwavering. Our new markets in gift and toy segments hold immense potential for Momiji products, with our dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating our latest launches.
Website: https://lovemomiji.com/
Nardusa
We produce transmedia superstories, stitching narratives that ignite fandoms where stories can be experienced beyond the screen, embracing the 360 approach.
Website: https://nardusa.com/
S.theagency
Advidity is a platform dedicated to helping creatives break into the advertising & media industry through freelance work. We aim to bridge the gap between the potential of young talent and the needs of brands and businesses. Advidity provides young people with opportunities to gain work experience, build professional portfolios and pursue their creative careers, which has become increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.
Website: https://s-theagency.com/
Momiji
Momiji, a brand conceived in 2005, has left an indelible mark on the global market, having sold well over a million friendship dolls worldwide. Our journey began with supplying retail stores and distributors, leading to Momiji becoming the top gift brand in John Lewis and earning prestigious licenses with Marks & Spencer and Pop Mart. Collaborations with various partners have further solidified our presence in the industry. Throughout our journey, our commitment to great design, wholesome values, and evolving ethos has remained unwavering. Our new markets in gift and toy segments hold immense potential for Momiji products, with our dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating our latest launches.
Website: https://lovemomiji.com/
Nardusa
We produce transmedia superstories, stitching narratives that ignite fandoms where stories can be experienced beyond the screen, embracing the 360 approach.
Website: https://nardusa.com/
S.theagency
Advidity is a platform dedicated to helping creatives break into the advertising & media industry through freelance work. We aim to bridge the gap between the potential of young talent and the needs of brands and businesses. Advidity provides young people with opportunities to gain work experience, build professional portfolios and pursue their creative careers, which has become increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.
Website: https://s-theagency.com/
Sick in the City
SIC is a social enterprise that works to close the disability employment gap. We provide disabled and neurodivergent professionals with a variety of free support services including e-learning, events, and resources. We also work with businesses as consultants, trainers, and workshop facilitators on the themes of neurodivergence, disability, accessibility and inclusion. The latter helps to fund the support we provide for disabled and neurodivergent professionals.
Website: https://sicofficial.co.uk/
Soul Assembly
We are Soul Assembly, a games studio of almost 80 passionate individuals who love games and want to make emotive experiences that players love! We are devoted to creating remarkable and emotionally impactful adventures in the metaverse. We love working on and publishing our own IP but are also excited to work with great partners on thiers. We have huge amounts of experience and expertise in the XR space as well as mobile, console and PC, and have been fortunately enough to work with some huge brands and IP’s. We look forward to building an awesome place to work that makes incredible things! We publish and operate the VR games Drop Dead: The Cabin, Drop Dead: Dual Strike.
Website: https://soulassembly.com/
Soundtruism
Soundtruism is a podcast agency specialising in factual narrative podcasts.
Website: www.soundtruism.com
Sick in the City
SIC is a social enterprise that works to close the disability employment gap. We provide disabled and neurodivergent professionals with a variety of free support services including e-learning, events, and resources. We also work with businesses as consultants, trainers, and workshop facilitators on the themes of neurodivergence, disability, accessibility and inclusion. The latter helps to fund the support we provide for disabled and neurodivergent professionals.
Website: https://sicofficial.co.uk/
Soul Assembly
We are Soul Assembly, a games studio of almost 80 passionate individuals who love games and want to make emotive experiences that players love! We are devoted to creating remarkable and emotionally impactful adventures in the metaverse. We love working on and publishing our own IP but are also excited to work with great partners on thiers. We have huge amounts of experience and expertise in the XR space as well as mobile, console and PC, and have been fortunately enough to work with some huge brands and IP’s. We look forward to building an awesome place to work that makes incredible things! We publish and operate the VR games Drop Dead: The Cabin, Drop Dead: Dual Strike.
Website: https://soulassembly.com/
Soundtruism
Soundtruism is a podcast agency specialising in factual narrative podcasts.
Website: www.soundtruism.com
Stone’s Throw Media
Stone’s Throw Media is an award-winning video production, animation production and live-streaming company. We create awesome marketing videos, engaging explainer animations, captivating case studies, powerful product videos, informative infographic animations and much much more. Phew! Our in-house production team are trusted by SMEs and large multinational companies across the UK, we deliver top-tier videos and animations that power compelling marketing campaigns.
Website: https://www.stmedia.co.uk/
Surfing Light Beams
Surfing Light Beams create immersive experiences and interactive playable adventures that reveal imaginative worlds and magical adventures. Our approach is to start by using stories and games as our North Star to create immersive experiences that remind us of our limitless potential. That reminds us that we are the heroes in our own stories. That we can overcome anything. That impossible is not an option. We galvanise partners, artists and communities on ambitious projects to create immersive experiences that bring people together, that leave people in positive states ad create positive behaviour change.
Website: https://surfinglightbeams.com/
Tentacle Media
Tentacle Media is an animation studio based in the West Midlands with 15 years experience making educational and engaging animations for companies and viewers around the globe.
Website: https://www.tentaclemedia.co.uk/
Stone’s Throw Media
Stone’s Throw Media is an award-winning video production, animation production and live-streaming company. We create awesome marketing videos, engaging explainer animations, captivating case studies, powerful product videos, informative infographic animations and much much more. Phew! Our in-house production team are trusted by SMEs and large multinational companies across the UK, we deliver top-tier videos and animations that power compelling marketing campaigns.
Website: https://www.stmedia.co.uk/
Surfing Light Beams
Surfing Light Beams create immersive experiences and interactive playable adventures that reveal imaginative worlds and magical adventures. Our approach is to start by using stories and games as our North Star to create immersive experiences that remind us of our limitless potential. That reminds us that we are the heroes in our own stories. That we can overcome anything. That impossible is not an option. We galvanise partners, artists and communities on ambitious projects to create immersive experiences that bring people together, that leave people in positive states ad create positive behaviour change.
Website: https://surfinglightbeams.com/
Tentacle Media
Tentacle Media is an animation studio based in the West Midlands with 15 years experience making educational and engaging animations for companies and viewers around the globe.
Website: https://www.tentaclemedia.co.uk/
The Format Factory
The Format Factory is an award-winning Independent Production Company based in Birmingham. Sister company to Free@Last TV and creator of first-class TV, formats and IP. Incorporating Albert Road Studios digital producer of podcasts, audio and radio. Producing brand new formats for television, radio, online and content platforms. Wherever content is, so are we!
Website: www.ffuk.tv
The Game Dev Group
The Game Dev Group proudly serves as the nexus of the legendary Silicon Spa game dev community. With over 600 members and seeing exponential growth, we host large scale speaker-led events, meet-and-greets, game nights, game jams, and an upcoming bootcamp funded by the DoE with a goal of upskilling aspirants and graduates into employment. That’s only a fraction of what’s to come. We’re just getting started.
Website: https://thegamedevgroup.com/
Threewise Entertainment
Threewise Entertainment is a UK based independent production company, developing and producing global scripted content for TV, Film and on-demand across a growing multi-billion worldwide Kids & Family market. Led by Royal Television Society Award winning Producer Michael Ford, the company was crowned a Pact Future30 indie during its first year of trading, recognised by the UK screen sector trade body as one of the most exciting new independents in the market, with the potential to become a “future gamechanger”, and the only indie in the Midlands (East or West). Threewise would later be selected for the inaugural Coutts Interactive Entertainment Accelerator programme for its further development of interactive and immersive IP. Its shows include live-action commissions for Nickelodeon and CBBC, and high-end animated series development, including an original Pre-School series with Warner Bros. Discovery. Based on an award-winning picture book series by author Rachel Bright (Love Monster), Huggy the Hugasaurus is a Co-Production with Yamination Studios, and was 1 of only 5 UK projects chosen for the inaugural ‘Animated UK meets Europe’ as part of Cartoon Forum last year.
Website: www.threewise.com
The Format Factory
The Format Factory is an award-winning Independent Production Company based in Birmingham. Sister company to Free@Last TV and creator of first-class TV, formats and IP. Incorporating Albert Road Studios digital producer of podcasts, audio and radio. Producing brand new formats for television, radio, online and content platforms. Wherever content is, so are we!
Website: www.ffuk.tv
The Game Dev Group
The Game Dev Group proudly serves as the nexus of the legendary Silicon Spa game dev community. With over 600 members and seeing exponential growth, we host large scale speaker-led events, meet-and-greets, game nights, game jams, and an upcoming bootcamp funded by the DoE with a goal of upskilling aspirants and graduates into employment. That’s only a fraction of what’s to come. We’re just getting started.
Website: https://thegamedevgroup.com/
Threewise Entertainment
Threewise Entertainment is a UK based independent production company, developing and producing global scripted content for TV, Film and on-demand across a growing multi-billion worldwide Kids & Family market. Led by Royal Television Society Award winning Producer Michael Ford, the company was crowned a Pact Future30 indie during its first year of trading, recognised by the UK screen sector trade body as one of the most exciting new independents in the market, with the potential to become a “future gamechanger”, and the only indie in the Midlands (East or West). Threewise would later be selected for the inaugural Coutts Interactive Entertainment Accelerator programme for its further development of interactive and immersive IP. Its shows include live-action commissions for Nickelodeon and CBBC, and high-end animated series development, including an original Pre-School series with Warner Bros. Discovery. Based on an award-winning picture book series by author Rachel Bright (Love Monster), Huggy the Hugasaurus is a Co-Production with Yamination Studios, and was 1 of only 5 UK projects chosen for the inaugural ‘Animated UK meets Europe’ as part of Cartoon Forum last year.
Website: www.threewise.com
Yamination Studios
Yamination are an award winning animation company, specialising in stop motion animation moulding tradition, craft and innovation, that brings all things in-animate, to life, developing and producing an array of shorts, pilots, TV commercials and promos across a multitude of genres and platforms for clients that include Disney, Coca-Cola, Greenpeace, and Roald Dahl, to name but a few.
Website: http://yamination.com/
Yamination Studios
Yamination are an award winning animation company, specialising in stop motion animation moulding tradition, craft and innovation, that brings all things in-animate, to life, developing and producing an array of shorts, pilots, TV commercials and promos across a multitude of genres and platforms for clients that include Disney, Coca-Cola, Greenpeace, and Roald Dahl, to name but a few.
Website: http://yamination.com/