Building Creative Clusters
And publishing my first journal article!
In 2018, the Journal of Urban Regeneration & Renewal approached me to write an article for them on delivering creative clusters. They wanted to share the story of Coventry & Warwickshire and the great work we had done to support, strengthen and promote our regional cluster. The focus was on addressing regional disparities and showing that incredible creative talent and businesses exist beyond the Watford Gap!
“Delivering creative clusters and stimulating local economic growth: Collaboration, leadership and addressing regional disparities in Coventry and Warwickshire”
I had written academically for my English Literature undergraduate degree and more recently at Warwick Business School for my Strategic Leadership Certificate; but none of that work had been published further than my own website! I have friends who both write for and work in the journal world and I knew it was a big deal to be positioned as an ‘expert’ in this way. I was desperate to do Coventry & Warwickshire and our wonderful business community proud.
The pressure almost got too much. Writers block hampered me for a couple of months and I was close to losing my opportunity; until I finally got my inspiration from a fortuitous visit to Warwick University’s Innovation Campus at Wellesbourne with the chance to walk through the beautiful gardens. It is such a showcase example of the wonder that is possible when a vision is achieved through pragmatic and meticulous planning. That was exactly the story I wanted to tell.
I hope you enjoy the read ….
