After two years of providing monthly networking events for the region’s creative talent, The Creative Industries Networking Group (CING) are proud to announce that they have reached the milestone of 600 active members.

Launched in 2008 with just 6 members, CING was initially a platform for founder Ben Hui to stay in touch with collaborators and industry contacts that he had worked with. Two years later, and with over 600 members, CING is comprised of some of the region’s best new and established talent in sectors ranging across the creative industries; from art, music, fashion and poetry, to digital, media, television, photography and design, to name but a few.

On the first Monday of each month CING holds an informal meetup which brings these self-employed freelancers, sole traders, small business owners, employees, graduates and anyone with a passion for the creative industries together for a chance to meet potential collaborators, share business insights and to build up their network of contacts.

CING prides itself on a relaxed and informal approach that focuses attention on its members and their activities rather than on the events themselves. For those who are looking for more immediate information and learning benefits, CING also provides targeted business skills workshops, which consist of formal speakers and panel debates, with emphasis always towards it’s members.

CING’s founder Ben Hui said, “I started CING in 2008 as a way to stay in touch with other creatives I met or worked with in the past. Two years later, and we now get around 100 people coming along each month. CING has grown into a significant platform in the region for aspiring creative talents to network, to trade and to collaborate. We are proud that all our events are free and the ever increasing turnout each month shows that we are something that is really valued by the region’s creative community". Operations Director Phil Northall also believes that there is significant benefit to be had from just getting creative people in a room together. “There are some fantastic collaborations and projects taking place that just wouldn’t have happened if these people hadn’t built up the necessary trust by talking to each other casually at CING”.

The next CING event, Innovation Bazaar, which is jointly presented by Salford Business School, will take place at CUBE Manchester on Portland Street on 5th July. To register your interest or to RSVP, please visit www.c-i-n-g.org for more details.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Business Link Northwest who have kindly sponsored our group over the past year and who have just announced the continuation of this sponsorship into 2011.