CREATIVE industries are breaking out of Wales to take on the world – as the country looks to build on the 30,000 jobs the sector already employs.
North Wales is regarded as a “hotspot” for the industry with the potential for major growth in the coming years in sectors like TV production, software development, and publishing.
This was highlighted this week by a £2.1m investment by production company Cwmni Da in new premises at Doc Fictoria in Caernarfon, which was opened by First Minister Carwyn Jones. It was backed by Welsh Government and Cadw funding,
The company employs 73 staff and as well as continuing to thrive in Wales they want to keep expanding their horizons, with existing co-productions in Germany and Brazil. They are also seeing programme formats go global like Fferm Ffactor on Chinese TV.
Rondo are another TV production company boosting the economy. This week they revealed their flagship Welsh language soap Rownd a Rownd, which employs 100 staff and freelancers, had pumped £55m into the economy over 18 years. They are also looking at growth by tapping into markets outside of Wales using their success on that show and the BBC drama The Indian Doctor to generate more work.
Dylan Huws, Cwmni Da managing director, said: “We are looking for work around the world in partnership with other production companies and broadcasters. We are currently working on a project with a German company for a documentary on World War I using 3D pictures. We are also working in Brazil which is another place with massive opportunities.
“There is also potential closer to home, we have Manchester an hour and a half away and London three hours, there are great opportunities there, we are not just looking to Cardiff.”
He added: “We’re proud to be part of the North Wales creative hub and this investment is a statement of our commitment to our future, the industry and the area.”
In Wales, the sector employs 30,000 in over 4,200 enterprises and generates over £1.8bn annual turnover. To support the industry the North Wales Creative Industries Network (C6) launched in April.
Labour market consultant Dr Alex Plows said the region has been identified as a “hotspot” for creative industries. She said: “The potential for growth in this industry is massive. There are already hotspot areas like Caernarfon where this industry is thriving. There needs to be a tie in between colleges and companies so young people can be trained in the skills needed.”
This week Economy Minister, Edwina Hart will visit the North Wales operations of television production company Rondo Media.
Rondo chief executive Gareth Williams said the figures from Rownd a Rownd show the vital contribution the industry makes to the economy. He said growth could come by exporting this expertise. He said: “A series like Rownd a Rownd establishes us as a company and gives us the chance to develop talent and expertise as well as being able to invest in equipment. I expect to see growth in the future. We are looking beyond Wales and looking at co-productions. Growth in projects will lead to growth in jobs.”
Robin Evans, Executive Producer of Rownd a Rownd and chairman of Rondo, which has production bases in Caernarfon, Menai Bridge and Cardiff, said: “The investment and wealth of opportunities Rownd a Rownd and other series have provided and continue to provide is proof that North Wales has a major contribution to make to the creative industry sector. The fact that this is also acknowledged beyond Wales, is an important breakthrough.”
Bangor based IT and software company Gaia Technologies, which employ 100 people, are another firm in the creative sector bringing jobs to the region. 3D manager Jon Rashide said: “We are the biggest development studio in North Wales and creating jobs for local talent.”