Creative Workshops - Creativity Collaboration Panel

Because creativity thrives in good company, an event proudly brought to you by the North East BIC.

If you’re a creative based in Sunderland, wondering how to move forward – or just wanting to meet others who get it – you’ve found your place.Whether you’re exploring self-employment, growing your creative business, or just want to share ideas with people who understand the ups and downs of working solo, this free and informal workshop is for you.

What to expect

You don’t need a business plan. You don’t even need a business idea.

You just need a talent, a passion, or something you’re good at – and a desire to do something more with it.

This event is more than a workshop – it’s a chance to:

• Meet other local creatives
• Discover collaboration opportunities
• Hear real stories from creative professionals
• Explore how you might turn talent into income
• Get plugged into Sunderland’s growing creative ecosystem

Meet the speakers

Real stories from real creatives. No fluff, no textbook advice – just honest conversations about what it takes to turn your talent into a living. Hear from others who’ve lived the journey and who’ll share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.

Helen Wardropper, Creative Business Adviser

Your host Helen gets it. She’s walked the walk as a caricature artist and now helps others to turn their creative dreams into business reality.

Billy Carrick, Barclays Specialist

Barclays community specialist focussed on offering support and resources to build skills and confidence around Money, Business, Digital and Safety.

Glenda Young, Author

Bestselling author in two genres of historical sagas and cosy crimes. She is an award-winning short story writer and one of six finalists in the coveted Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award.

Chris Allen, FIlm Practioner

As a filmmaker with Wycombe 89 he has written and directed numerous projects, including short films and documentaries which have had international awards success.

Kevin Sinclair, Author

Former plasterer, now indie author of 19 books across 4 series. His fantasy and sci-fi books have thousands of readers, and use his experience of growing up in Sunderland as inspiration.

What you’ll gain

• Real-life experiences from fellow creatives
• Collaboration opportunities with local businesses and creatives

• Guidance on self-employment and business support options
• Inspiration and insights from a diverse panel of experts

This is also your gateway to everything else the BIC offers to help businesses get off the ground and grow. That includes one-to-one support, on-demand learning, mentoring, further workshops, Growth Lab events, introductions to useful connections, and more. Just dip into what’s right for you.

Who it’s for

This event is perfect for:

• Local creative collectives or support agencies interested in collaboration
• Creatives based in the Sunderland Local Authority area

• People wanting to get plugged into Sunderland’s growing creative scene
• Anyone who feels ‘stuck in their own head’ and wants to explore new ideas with others

Feeling nervous?

You’re not alone. We know it can be daunting to walk into something new.

That’s why our community workshops are small, welcoming, and designed to be judgement free. No pressure. No business jargon. Just people helping people.

Still unsure?

Click here to email Helen – she’ll walk you through what to expect and help you feel ready.

What we are (and what we’re not)

The North East BIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise that’s helped thousands of people just like you to start their own successful businesses since 1994. Helen explains what to expect from our business advisers here.Feeling nervous?

You’re not alone. We know it can be daunting to walk into something new.

That’s why our community workshops are small, welcoming, and designed to be judgement free. No pressure. No business jargon. Just people helping people.

Can’t make the date?

No worries! This is part of a series of Creative Workshops happening across Sunderland – check out the others. Prefer to learn online? Our Flying Start Workshops and Smarta eLearning might be what you’re looking for. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the format that fits.

This event is supported by Enterprising Sunderland and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.