Anyone who’s spent any time in Bristol can tell you there’s no shortage of creatives in the city. Art, music, film, fashion, and writing adorn every corner; you’re never too far from a Banksy, and the city is even home to the country’s oldest theatre, the Bristol Old Vic.
2019 actually saw Bristol named as one of the most creative cities in Europe in a report by the European Commission, which recognised the rise of the number of Bristol’s creative and knowledge-based jobs, new jobs in the creative sectors, and the scope of intellectual property and innovation.
Bristol’s creative power lies in its culture. The people of Bristol are friendly, driven, and forward-thinking; renowned for being a multicultural, multiethnic city, Bristol residents are a driving force for many innovative and modern movements. Sustainability and eco-consciousness are huge matters of concern, not to mention the advancements in various tech industries that the people of Bristol are continuously making, with over 208 tech start-ups in the city as of 2022.
Last year, Bristol was given the crown of the most sustainable city in the whole of the UK, according to a global study carried out by clothes2order, and it has also historically been given the accolade of European Green Capital.
Not only that, but Bristol is also a Fairtrade City, meaning it trades fairly with nearly 5 million workers across 58 developing countries, and is known as one of England’s largest cycling cities, with cycle lanes on every street for residents to save polluting the air with. With its delicious abundance of vegan cafes and restaurants, Bristol came top – number one – in a global list of the world’s most popular cities for veganism.
What’s all this got to do with bustling creative business, you ask? In an uncertain world, having sustainability at the forefront of your business is an absolute must. People are increasingly recognising the responsibility we have to take climate action, whether that’s as consumers or as creators, and employing more innovative, green-thinking strategies into your business plan won’t only work towards a better future, but it will improve your reputation, boost your revenue, and connect you to the right people. Being in a sustainable hub like Bristol is a wonderful opportunity to reap all the wonderful benefits of becoming more environmentally-conscious in your creative work.
Bristol has the advantage of opportunity – there is a swirling talent pool that is always looking for swimmers. With two well-respected universities situated in the city, fresh, innovative ideas are always pouring back into Bristol, creating a very supportive network environment.
These networks gather in communities that help each other grow, dotted around in creative communities such as collaborative exhibitions centres and art galleries like the famous Arnolfini and Spike Island, and the city’s excellent transport links mean people from around the country have constant access to the thriving business groups. There are also countless music venues, festivals, historical artefacts, and theatres to get inspired by, which earned Bristol the title of the most artistic city in the UK during 2019.
If you’re looking to launch your business in Bristol, you’ve come to the right place. All successful businesses start with a strong foundation. Setting up on your own can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Our start-up checklist includes:
At Meanwhile Creative, we’re passionate about supplying office spaces in the heart of Bristol’s creative scene, to continue expanding the ever-growing talent pool of the city and encourage more people to follow their dreams.
If you’re looking to launch your creative vision, we have several flexible office and desk spaces available to get you started, at extremely affordable prices. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur, whether you’re Bristol born-and-bred or you’re looking to relocate and gain a business presence in the city, our office spaces are bustling with like-minded creatives to bounce ideas off and create a collaborative environment with. We actively encourage networking between our tenants and residents, offering you the benefit of collaboration and partnership in a supportive space while creating a home for your business to grow in.
Our office spaces come with bills (bar internet) included, fast WiFi, flexible monthly rolling contracts, 24/7 accessibility, fully secure lockable storage, and attractive locations in the heart of the city.
If you’d like to get involved, feel free to reach out today to hear more about how our creative spaces can benefit your business.
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