£10k Collaboration Prize encourages businesses to co-operate

Scottish Enterprise has launched a prize for businesses in the creative industries, including co-operatives. The annual Collaboration Prize has been launched to increase collaboration among businesses. Enterprises in...

Scottish Enterprise has launched a prize for businesses in the creative industries, including co-operatives. The annual Collaboration Prize has been launched to increase collaboration among businesses. Enterprises in the creative industries can win up to £10,000 and receive support.

The prize runs every year and is delivered by Co-operative Development Scotland for SE and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in partnership with Creative Scotland, Cultural Enterprise Office and Interactive Scotland.

To enter, businesses must pitch a concept idea for a new collaborative enterprise. A judging panel will select up to five winners that will receive £5,000 to implement their collaborative idea and up to £5,000 consultancy support delivered via SE and HIE. CDS will also help them set up as a Consortium Co-operative.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs,  launched this year’s prize, describing it as an inspiration for creative companies with ambitions to grow and reach new markets.

She said: “The creative industries in Scotland employ over 71, 000 people and are worth over £5 billion to the Scottish economy. It is vital that we continue to make Scotland a place to attract, develop and retain talent.

“The Scottish Government and its public sector agencies are working hard to help individuals and companies reach their full economic potential and there’s to be no let-up in our efforts. I encourage creative businesses, the length and breadth of the country, to get involved in this unique competition.”

David Smith, director of creative industries at Scottish Enterprise, said: “We know from our evidence that encouraging businesses to collaborate is a significant factor in growing the creative industries and the wider economy.

“The consortium business model helps make companies more productive, innovative and ultimately more successful and we are pleased to be supporting this Collaboration Prize focused on the creative industries sector.”

One of the previous winners, Adventures in Light, is an Edinburgh-based company that brings together a 3D artist, filmmaker and carpenter to create dynamic projected installations for musical and cultural performances.

Cristina Spiteri, chair of the company, said: “Collaborating is at the core of our business. It has allowed us to bring in specialist skills, and together craft something truly unique and far beyond what we could produce on our own.

“Winning the prize has opened so many doors for us. It has allowed us to invest in essential new kit which has supported us to keep experimenting and inventing – something all creative businesses should do. We’ve also had the opportunity to work on some fantastic new projects including the International Science Festival and the Kelburn Garden Party.”

Businesses have until 17 December to enter the prize at www.scottish-enterprise.com/collaborationprize. CDS is also providing support with preparing submissions – [email protected].

 

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