BIMA (British Interactive Media Association)’s Post

Sometimes you have to put your money and energy where your mouth is. For many years the state of inequities in regional communities has bothered me. I’ve tried many different projects and roles to address these yet found I couldn’t get deep enough into any of the challenges to create the change needed. In 2023 the first Social Impact in the Regions conference brought together 165 regional changemakers over three days in #coffsharbour. I didn’t wait for a grant and it broke even through sponsorship and ticket sales. More importantly it had a lasting impact on those who are deep in creating change in the regions. In 2024 I wanted to leave more of a legacy in the host community and in partnership with Chad Renando Ready Communities was birthed in the Macleay. We needed freedom to deliver a program that wouldn’t get stuck in red tape so again we didn’t wait for funding we just delivered. The outcomes are easily demonstrated through the conference which in 2024 grew to 246 delegates, generated $348k in the Macleay, activated a CBD space that had been boarded up for 4 years and shopped local spending most of the $99k conference spend with small businesses in the local and surrounding communities. The outcomes of the Ready Communities pilot (Ready Macleay) may seem more subtle at face value however it’s the connecting, advocating, capability development and clarity that this project delivers that really makes lasting change in communities. The main point being we set the framework and support the conditions but the community delivers the change and thereby forms less reliance on external forces. Our end of year report will be out soon follow ready communities or visit our website for more. #placebased #regionalaustralia

#WestYorkshireCombinedAuthority Named Official Destination Partner for #UKREiiF 2025. The UK’s #RealEstateInvestmentandInfrastructureForum #UKREiiF has designated the #WestYorkshireCombinedAuthority as the official Destination Partner for its upcoming annual event, scheduled from May 20th to 22nd, 2025, in #Leeds. In its capacity as the #DestinationPartner, the #WestYorkshireCombinedAuthority will play a key role at #UKREiiF. The authority will operate from a strategically located pavilion at the core of the event. This central position will facilitate a host of activities including panel discussions, meetings, and various interactive sessions throughout the three-day forum, ensuring #WestYorkshire’s prominent presence and active participation. The #UKRealEstateInvestmentandInfrastructureForum is an influential annual event that has rapidly become a cornerstone for professionals in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Aimed at fostering growth and innovation, #UKREiiF serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing new developments in the industry. #UKREiiF brings together stakeholders from across the real estate, investment, and infrastructure landscapes to discuss current challenges and opportunities. The forum is designed to connect private sector investors, developers, and property professionals with public sector authorities, policy-makers, and civic leaders. The goal is to bridge the gap between these sectors, facilitating meaningful discussions that lead to tangible investments and collaborative projects https://lnkd.in/g7iT28_r #LeedsNews #LeedsStar #LeedsStarNewspaper #LeedsCityCouncil #VisitLeeds #Leeds

Day 2 @ the 128th LGAQ Annual Conference! What an amazing opportunity to gather with local government leaders from across Queensland, all driven by a common goal—to drive meaningful change for their communities. The theme, “Don’t Leave Local Communities Behind,” couldn’t be more fitting. It’s a rallying call that truly reflects the unwavering dedication of every council here to build vibrant, resilient places for their people. At Government Frameworks, we’re passionate about helping councils thrive. Our governance solutions are designed to do more than just streamline processes—they empower councils to improve transparency, deepen community engagement, and ensure that everyone is heard and served. If you’re here, we’d love to connect! Stop by Booth 7 to discover how we can help you strengthen service delivery, innovate in governance, and support your community’s needs more effectively. Let’s continue to inspire change, learn from one another, and shape a stronger future. Here’s to making this conference truly count! #LGAQ2024 #LocalGovernment #CommunityFirst #InnovationInGovernment #BuildingStrongerCommunities #GovernmentFrameworks #DontLeaveLocalCommunitiesBehind

The panel discussion with MPs Perran Moon (Labour, Camborne and Redruth), Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury and Somerton) and Steve Race (Lab, Exeter) was for me the most interesting part of Friday's excellent Great South West annual conference at Sandy Park. All relatively recently elected, they spoke with energy and without the weariness that sometimes comes with conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our region, which are very well known to all who live and work here. They represent different parts of the patch, urban, rural and in between; growing and grappling with deprivation. While we debate whether we can - or even should - be the next Nortern Powerhouse, they're quickly finding out what's needed locally now. A 'one size fits all' approach won't work for them, they said. I asked what 'success' would look like for each of them by this time next year. Their answers illustrated the range and diversity of the challenges they face. Reducing the rate of male suicide; providing affordable housing; helping local businesses grow sustainably; developing trading relationships; sorting out rural transport all featured. These sit alongside the ever-present challenges, around connectivity, skills and climate. And the importance of a narrative for the region that's 'more than worthy' (Nick Walkley) and turns heads towards us. I've written at least two of these for different purposes in the past decade, and know we have plently of good material to draw on.* An emerging Independent Economic Review, shared on Friday, could provide fresh impetus on this. From experience, the really hard part (always) is sticking with it once the narrative work is done. That's where our MPs, business and community leaders have such an important role to play. As a business based in the heart of this region, we're up for playing our part to address the challenge at Distinctive Communications Ltd. I hope when we come together in a year's time, we'll hear about progress towards making our region of 1.4m people the best it can be. Thanks to the team for organising the session. I left feeling energised, if a little apprehensive about getting back to Somerset on the M5! Great to see familiar faces Andrew Cockcroft, Arianne Smart, Bill Revans, Corinne Matthews, Chris Ward, David Eccles CBE, Drew Aspinwall, Karl Tucker, Freddie Palmer, Julia Goldsworthy, Paul Britton, Paul Read, Peter Koch. Richard Marsh, Tessa Munt, Tim Western. I've placed a link to the summary of Great South West Independent Economic Review in the comments. Image: From left to right: Daisy McAndrew (event host) and South West MPs Perran Moon, Sarah Dyke and Steve Race. * If anyone's interested in chatting about what I learned doing this, or would like to know more about the output, get in touch.

#NLW2024 Day 4 - todays theme is "Night time". Did you know that 39% of jobs in Glasgow are between the hours of 6pm - 6am? Many of these are, of course, hospitality jobs. The Night Time Industries Association aims to increase awareness of the benefits that the night time industry brings to the economy, and lobbies on behalf of workers within this important sector. In the first half of 2023, two pubs closed every day. In the last year, two nightclubs closed per week and five restaurants have closed daily. The Night Time economy has struggled to recover from Covid. Does the industry need less regulation?

State seeks bigger stake in Cork event centre as it ups its aid pledge to €90m: Bam and Marina Market in play for the re-tendered centre as FOI reveals the State is looking at a number of ownership options https://lnkd.in/ehW7Sg4Y

22nd October : learn about the impact of politics on infrastructure in Wales, join our webinar 😀

#NLW2024 Day 4 - todays theme is "Night time". My colleague Karina Morrice recently attended a Night Time Industries Association event in Glasgow. The NTIA passionately advocates for the night time industry sector, lobbying for changes, and raising awareness of the truly brilliant people and businesses that work within it. So, here are some things to think about today when you have your morning coffee ☕.... What does the "night time industry" mean to you? How is it changing? What can you do to support it? Is it too heavily regulated? answers on a postcard please (or in the comments, stamps are so expensive!!).... #NLW2024

🗞 You can find my latest for The Mail below. 🌻 In this column I write about supporting local businesses like Cumbria Crystal, bringing gigabit broadband to Walney, fighting for Furness’ future with carbon capture, and supporting local events like the young farmers, Duddon Inshore Rescue & Christian Aid in the sunshine. 👀 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ehhJcjaG

Here is the latest newsletter from Commissioner Salim Adofo. Find out whats going on in the community and how to get involved. #WeAreWard8 #AStandardOfExcellence #SalimAdofo https://lnkd.in/e3AdcV5y