Armstrong-Gibbs, FD (2016) Baltic Creative Community Interest Company: Critical Success Factors in Creative and Digital Clusters in Liverpool, UK. In: Abstracts of the Papers Presented at the 4th International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship . (4th International Conference on Innovation and Entreprenurship, 28 April 2016 - 29 April 2016, Toronto).

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Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this preliminary case study paper is to establish the historic context and evolution of Baltic Creative Community Interest Company (CIC) in Liverpool and identify the key activities that have defined its success as a social enterprise business over the past five years. Baltic Creative CIC was established in 2009 to provide work space for the creative & digital sector. It has overseen the implementation of £4.5m acquisition and redevelopment scheme, attracted 65 businesses to the space and implemented systems and controls to operate as a fully functioning commercial landlord through a social enterprise business model. It has also played a key part in transforming the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool which was once a derelict, unloved and under-used part of the city. By 2014 the space was fully let supporting businesses and creating jobs and the area is home to a vibrant community of creatives and technologists. During the first five years of Baltic Creative, growth has far exceeded expectations and the CIC now supports 182 full time equivalent jobs, and its tenants add £1.4m every year to the regional economy. Baltic Creative is now considered an exemplar social enterprise in a post-industrial city. This case study makes a valuable contribution to the knowledge of social enterprise development and business success and the impact of long term capital funding initiatives that can create a sustainable business model. The research method currently in development for this study is an auto ethnographic approach. As a founder director of BC CIC it is not possible for me to deny both my motivations to join as a voluntary board member, my access to the data and my influence on the strategic direction that the CIC has taken over 6 years. The findings are also triangulated through semi structured interviews with the MD and Chair of the board to identify any unique or particularly personal bias.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
Divisions:	Art & Design
Publisher:	http://www.academic-bookshop.com
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2017 11:02
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2022 15:15
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/7110

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