Over the last two years, growing attention has been paid to the commercial creative industries both in the North East and beyond. The UK Government has placed emphasis on this through its Creative Economy programme. Here in the North East the regional development agency (ONE North East) has highlighted creative industries as one of its six priority sectors.

Alongside film, TV and video, new media, games and software, advertising, design and brand communication, music is recognised as an important sub sector of creative industries with protential for growth. However, at present, the other sub sectors already have representational bodies and networks that can:

• Take up their cause at regional and national level
• Share information and encourage partnerships

The result of this is, established channels to funding streams and wider developmental agency support. As yet, we as a regional music industry have not established these channels. With Plugged In we will establish and explore these channels for the North East music industry

Generator feels strongly that we can establish and support this network in the following ways.

Stronger Links To National Organisations

Generator has built links to national music industry bodies and has carefully considered where best these organisations can add value to the North East’s music businesses. We want to keep these ties strong and focused, facilitating the best ways to help you. In addition we want to work with them to ensure that they are aware of issues affecting regional businesses when making representations to policy makers.

Representation and investment

As outlined above, other commercial creative industries already have networks and organisations representing them. Part of their function is to ensure that there are potential funding streams available for investment in growth. They also provide general support in terms of training, mentoring, advice and consultation.

Our belief at Generator, is that music needs to be represented in the same way, and given the same priority and resources, as other sectors of the creative industries. We believe that through Plugged In, we can offer a strong voice that will represent the needs of the regional music industry.

Streamlined information

The Plugged In member's zone will contain the following content:

• Opportunities for music businesses
• Members forum for you to discuss issues, share opinions, problems and solutions with other network members,
• Offers for your artists to take part in key regional events
• A streamed feed of information affecting music business in this region and beyond

Networking events

We will hold 4 Plugged In networking events per year that will be more than just a ‘get together’ and a drink. These events will be themed around an issue that can be of use to all the regional music businesses. For example, ‘Planning and Implementing a Digital Marketing Strategy’.

As usual we will be inviting some of the country’s leading experts in their field to share their knowledge and advise on how you can best improve your business in their area of expertise.

To attend a Plugged In event, the cost will be £10 for non members and include a free drink.

Plugged In Membership Benefits

Membership of Plugged In is £25 per year and will entitle 2 people from each member organisation to attend any Plugged In event, free of charge with a reduced fee of only £5 entry for any further attendees from the member organisation.