Aninver to Lead Creative Industries Strategy for Newcastle-under-Lyme

Aninver Development Partners is thrilled to announce the award of our first project in the United Kingdom, marking an exciting expansion of our work in the cultural and creative industries sector. We have been commissioned by the Borough Council of Newcastle-under-Lyme to design and deliver a Strategic Creative Industries and Action Plan Solution that will help unlock the Borough’s creative potential, drive innovation, and strengthen its cultural ecosystem.

After working in the creative industries across many African countries (Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, etc.), Aninver Development Partners has been commissioned in the UK to develop a study for the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

A Vision to Position Newcastle-under-Lyme as a Creative Hub

This project is part of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s ambition to take a leading role in the development of its creative industries, fostering strategic partnerships, diversifying cultural offerings, and shaping a vibrant ecosystem that contributes to local economic growth and social well-being

Newcastle-under-Lyme recognizes that creative industries—covering sectors such as design, gaming, digital media, film, music, and the arts—are powerful engines of innovation, community engagement, and economic development. Through this assignment, Aninver will support the Borough Council in formulating a comprehensive action plan that sets a clear roadmap for growth, sustainability, and inclusion.

Project Objectives and Scope

The project will run from September 2025 to February 2026, during which our team will collaborate closely with the Borough Council to design a structured and actionable strategy covering several key dimensions:

Creative Industries Strategy
Develop a delivery plan that identifies priority sectors, partnerships, and investment opportunities to strengthen Newcastle-under-Lyme’s creative economy. This will include the creation of a “gaming hub” to tap into one of the UK’s most dynamic creative sectors

Diversification of the Cultural Offer
Expand opportunities across arts and heritage sectors, fostering a more diverse workforce and engaging broader audiences through inclusive programmes and events.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Support the evolution of the cultural service by promoting innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives, enabling creative talent to thrive and generate new business opportunities.

Cultural Placemaking
Use cultural elements strategically to enhance the attractiveness of the Borough as a place to live, work, and invest, reinforcing its identity and sense of place.

Health, Well-being, and Social Impact
Highlight the role of cultural activities in improving community cohesion, mental health, and well-being—an especially critical objective in the post-pandemic context

Skills Development and Social Mobility
Foster skill-building and employment opportunities through cultural events and festivals, creating pathways for young people and underserved groups to access careers in creative sectors.

This holistic approach combines economic development, social impact, and cultural innovation, positioning Newcastle-under-Lyme as a forward-thinking, creative, and inclusive borough.

A Collaborative Approach Drawing on Global Expertise

Aninver brings extensive international experience in developing creative industries strategies for governments and international organizations. For this project, we will deploy a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in creative economy development, urban strategy, cultural policy, placemaking, and stakeholder engagement.

Our role will not only be to deliver a strategic document, but to facilitate real collaboration and local ownership, ensuring that the action plan reflects the Borough’s identity, assets, and aspirations.

“We’re proud to support Newcastle-under-Lyme in shaping a dynamic and inclusive creative industries strategy. Culture is not just an expression of identity — it’s a driver of innovation, resilience, and economic opportunity,” said José de la Maza, Managing Partner at Aninver Development Partners.