Vision+Media are tendering for a £30k creative campaign to attract more digital and senior creative industry talent into the North West. Following the Creative Currency research report and work from the Digital and Creative Services industry group, Vision+Media aims to address (in part) the industry’s need with a direct campaign aiming to attract talent from London.

In addition to skills and talent development (from graduates, apprentices to experienced freelancers and CEOs); working with Higher Education Institutes and working to increase business opportunities and funding and finance for North West creative companies, Vision+Media will champion the employment opportunities and potential for real career development here in the North West.

It’s hoped that the campaign will raise general awareness of the size and quality of the creative industry here in the North West. However, its primary aim is to encourage more digital developers, senior planners and experienced client services personnel to seek employment in the region, as these seem to be areas where demand far exceeds supply.
Vision+Media’s Head of Digital & Creative Services and Games Enda Carey says “It’s a common misconception that you always have to go to London for the best career or companies to work for. We do experience a brain gain with North West workers returning here from careers elsewhere.”

The North West is a growing digital and creative hub. After London, it’s the biggest creative hub in Europe. We absolutely have world class creative companies here and the future with MediaCityUK on our doorstep looks bright. But we also need to attract new blood and this is what we intend to do.”

Nicky Unsworth is MD of independent ad agency BJL and member of the Vision+Media industry steering group; she says “The North West is a great hub for digital and creative companies, and as such we are in need of even more experienced digital people, senior client services and senior strategists. By working with Vision+Media on this project we believe we will attract more talent to the region which in turn will benefit North West companies.”

Vision+Media marketing head Simon Alexander says: “This brief comes directly from an industry need. We will endeavour to keep the selection process timely and efficient. We welcome expressions of interest from all, and will invite only a handful of agencies to the creative pitch stage.”

The tender is posted on Vision+Media’s website and the deadline for submitting expression of interest by 15 November, with pitches from 3 shortlisted companies 30 November.