Creative sector's resolution to grow in 2010 after year of consolidation

Kevin McManus, director of Liverpool Vision's creative support body Merseyside ACME, says the "strength and flexibility" of the sector has seen it through a turbulent year.
Liverpool Sound City was one of the success stories of 2009 - and its director Dave Pichilingi says 2010's expanded event will give still more of a boost to Merseyside's music industry.
Meanwhile Paul Taylor, a director at regional agency Northwest Vision and Media (NWVM), says the area's "unparalleled wealth of creative talent" is well-positioned for growth in 2010.
In an article for LDP Creative, he says NWVM wants to help firms take advantage of the many opportunities created by MediaCityUK and the demand for digital content.
At Merseyside ACME, Mr McManus praised the creative sector's resilience.
He said: " The recession has hit, and some have struggled, but it's shown the strength and flexibility of the sector.
"There's a lot of excellent companies that have come through it stronger still.
"There's been some tightening of belts, and companies making sure their credit control is up to the mark. It's been a year of consolidation rather than growth, but that's true for everybody.
"To come out of recession in such health is very positive."
Mr McManus said he expected to see signs of growth in the creative industries in 2010 as the UK begins its climb out of recession.
He said: "Companies that are looking to expand have held back a bit because of the uncertainty. People will now feel a bit more confident and are looking for growth and new markets both nationally and internationally."
Mr McManus said creative firms needed to take advantage of Liverpool's presence at next year's World Expo in Shanghai.
Liverpool is the only UK city exhibiting at the massive event and Liverpool agencies River Media, Paver Smith and Uniform have worked on the city's Expo project.
Building work on the MediaCity complex in Salford Quays is also well under way, with five BBC departments due to move there in 2011.
Mr McManus said Merseyside firms should be thinking hard about how to win business from MediaCity.
He said: "It shouldn't be seen as a threat, it should be seen as an opportunity. Part of our role is to help companies prepare for that and take advantage of what will be based in Salford."
Last week the Daily Post revealed that major music industry conference Musexpo Europe was moving to Liverpool from London to run alongside Liverpool Sound City 2010 in May.
Sound City director Dave Pichilingi said the new conference would give more new opportunities to bands and other music businesses.
He said: "One of our aims is to support Liverpool, Merseyside and North West talent. Unlike other festivals, Sound City gives acts an opportunity to play not just in front of their fan base but in front of an industry audience.
"We'll be putting them in front of serious business people who could really change their lives.
"The whole idea of Liverpool Sound City is about branching out to national and international business audiences that can make a difference to music businesses and artists."