IMPACT30
A cohort programme for young business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to develop the tools, skills and knowledge needed to enable growth.
Watch our video about our creative industries support through XpoNorth Digital
Creative industries in the Highlands and Islands
With its rich culture and heritage the Highlands and Islands is a hotbed of creativity.
The sector is made up of micro businesses and freelancers who share the market place with a small number of multinational and major companies. TV, software, fashion, crafts and publishing sustain the majority of jobs however music, arts and antiques, and architecture are also identified as significant growth areas. It is a fast-moving vibrant sector that has both economic and social benefits for our region.
Watch our short video or find out more below about how we at HIE support enterprises working in the creative industries through XpoNorth Digital.
XpoNorth Digital - our support for creative industries
XpoNorth Digital is HIE’s mechanism for specialist digital support for the creative economy across the Highlands and Islands.
Through a series of unique workshops, networking events, specialist advice and access to mentorship and insights, we offer a platform for collaboration and connection across every stage of your digital journey. We foster new partnerships and collaborations to propel local business and organisations into global markets.
Explore support through XpoNorth Digital
How can XpoNorth Digital support you?
XpoNorth Digital supports enterprises in the creative industries sector of all shapes and sizes right across the Highlands and Islands.
Tailored advisory services: we provide personalised 1-2-1 specialist advice to enterprises. The support is flexible and can be tailored to your individual needs.
Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
XpoNorth on demand!
XpoNorth Digital has a wealth of webinar and workshop recordings for a range of subjects. Whether it's how to pitch your ideas to producers, exploring the crowd economy and blockchain, how to create music or television productions in The Highlands or connecting the heritage and creative sectors, you're sure to find something interesting to watch online.
We've added a wee taster here on what's available. Visit the on demand archive to see our full catalogue.
Understanding the Technology Shaping Creativity
Hosted by Crowd Specialist and XpoNorth Digital Sector Specialist, Tim Wright, this session is designed to highlight emerging developments and cast into the near future whilst exploring planning and strategy development approaches so that you can capture the future.
Watch
Exploring the animation landscape
Join Oscar-winning Executive Producer Jason Lust (The Matrix, Peter Rabbit, Pinocchio) for an insightful discussion delving into the dynamic realm of animation. From creators to studios, distributors to streamers, this session will overview current market trends such as the surge in short-form content, anime and the exponential rise of adult-oriented animation projects.
Watch
Digital First Publishing
In this session, we will explore the many exciting opportunities that digital-first publishing represents, and what it all means and requires for writers, publishers and agents. We’ll focus on the key information you need in order to navigate the digital-first landscape.
WatchInterview with Carrie Forbes about her XpoNorth Digital support experience
My XpoNorth support experience
Carrie Forbes has a voiceover studio based in Tain. Watch our short video to find out more about her business, and how she benefitted from a wide range of support through XpoNorth Digital.
News from the creative industries
Related support
Have a look at some of our other support services that may be of interest.
Technology Placement Programme
Our technology placement programme offers enterprises of any size in the Highland Council area the opportunity to take on a graduate or student placement - and we'll fund up to 70% of their salary.
Browse all support services
We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of support services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.
About the Northern Innovation Hub
XpoNorth Digital is delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub, a funding programme designed to build on and accelerate business innovation.
The Northern Innovation Hub was awarded £11m from the UK Government as part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The deal is a joint initiative supported by £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands. This programme also receives financial support through the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme.
Explore all business support delivered through the Northern Innovation Hub.