Fifteen Glasgow businesses get a leg-up with Elevator

Elevator selects 15 companies for its Glasgow Creative Accelerator, a programme designed to help creative businesses achieve their potential

Feature by Jamie Dunn | 15 Mar 2021
  • A Year of Small Changes

Starting a new business is never easy. Starting one in 2021 is particularly challenging. But fifteen companies in Glasgow will hopefully have more than just a fighting chance after they become the first creative businesses selected for the Glasgow Creative Accelerator, a programme from social enterprise group Elevator that “aims to drive the evolution of the creative sector and offer targeted support with an innovative approach”.

The 15 companies, dubbed by Elevator as the "Founders", will take part in a 12-week long mentorship programme, during which they’ll be taught how to apply “curiosity and growth mindset to their practices”. The Glasgow Creative Accelerator course will also develop things like their “business value propositions” and expand their networks. A key part of the course is one-to-one sessions in which other experienced business people help the Founders examine their business plan and strategies. At the end of the 12 weeks, each company will be invited to pitch its ideas to potential investors.

“The creative industries sector is diverse by nature and we are delighted to be working with a variety of talented Glasgow-based participants who are passionate, motivated and ready to achieve their fullest potential,” said Lynne Martin, Elevator’s Creative Accelerator Manager. The 15 Founders are an eclectic bunch, taking in filmmaking to fashion, television production to video games design, jewellery making to communication coaching.

The accelerator programme began last week on Monday 8 March. A full list of the businesses taking part in the inaugural Glasgow Creative Accelerator is below:

Perceptive Communicators: "A multi-award-winning communications consultancy specialising in construction, economic development, life sciences/health and technology."

Tickir Ltd: "The publisher of ‘News in Network’ – a website which uses AI to summarise exciting news and allows journalists to research, write and break the news."

A Year of Small Changes: "An innovative, holistic, video-based behavioural change programme created by a team of four health and wellbeing experts."

Cameron Mackay Productions: "A film and soundtrack music production company specialising in storytelling about sustainability, nature and climate change."

Gaelleria: "An e-commerce site with a 360-degree gallery, selling the work of Scottish-based creatives and enhancing brand awareness."

Partychat Ltd: "A new independent clothing brand that combines dance culture and streetwear to foster a unique creative approach."

Scotch!: "A television and film company that harnesses creative output and a defined focus to produce high-quality broadcast television from Scotland to the world."

Hursto Creative: "Providing high quality, creative graphic design to small businesses with a focus on care and client satisfaction. Services include brand identity design, marketing collateral, POS and document design."

Tarney and Dolan: "A small, slow-made Scottish jewellery brand with all pieces created by hand with care and attention."

Bobbll: "A recruitment company helping clients find on-demand talent fill any skills gaps they have in their team for temporary, project-based positions."

Ne’er-Do-Well: "A clothing company for men with a focus on smart clothing being accessible to all, inspired by the Glaswegian working class."

Start Making Video: "A video production company that helps individuals to plan and produce simple, high-quality video content on their smartphones."

Hazel Marshall: "A story consultant and scriptwriter for the television industry, assisting at all stages of the production process."

Chimera Tales Ltd: "A computer gaming company with a focus on narrative game experiences relating to social, political and historical topics."

Clare English: "A coaching and consultancy service designed to improve communication, whether that be in person or digitally through podcasts, webinars and so on."

A crucial part of the course, says Martin, will be preparing these businesses for life in our post-pandemic era. “We will ensure we support our Founders to achieve their goals of building sustainable businesses in the wake of COVID-19," she says. “We are confident we will deliver huge benefits to the creative sector not only in Glasgow, but across Scotland as a whole.”

To find out more, head to elevatoruk.com