Those working in the creative sector, be it in a traditional or a newer role such as digital marketing, were invited to join a coffee morning with a difference yesterday in that it could help shape the future of the industry in Lancashire!

Members of the Business & Skills Team at Community CVS, who hosted the event at our Boulevard Centre in Railway Road, Blackburn, have been awarded government funding to run a ten-session leadership skills development course for those in the county’s arts, cultural and digital businesses.

The heavily subsidised course, which is open to all employees within the sector provided that they are aged 19 and above and work within Lancashire’s boundaries, is due to start in September but before finalising its curriculum, the team wants to know about any particular challenges the industry is facing as well as opportunities for growth.

Information gleaned at the coffee morning will then be used to shape the course programme, which the team is planning to launch with a free taster day that includes lunch on Wednesday 6th August.


Chris Trickett, Community CVS’ Business Director, explained:

“The creative sector is currently going through a lot of change because of fast evolving technology that is altering mindsets and throwing up all sorts of ethical and best practice issues.

“In offering a skills course, our role is to ensure its local leaders have the confidence and tools to cope with their sector’s challenges and growth so that Lancashire is a place where creative industries can thrive to provide both immediate and longer term employment opportunities.”

Chris added:

“It would therefore be great if the sector’s current and next generation leaders would share their thoughts with us over a coffee, which would also give them an opportunity to network with their peers. Their contribution could be invaluable as to what topics we focus on most in our leadership course and as such, influence the sector’s development in Lancashire.”

For further information, please email the Community CVS Business & Skills Team for an informal chat:

Community CVS is a membership organisation set up to support individuals, organisations and communities in Blackburn with Darwen and throughout Lancashire to achieve their full potential.