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Iain Bennett
Creative and digital economy maven; author of forthcoming book, ‘Creative Alchemy'
Iain Bennett is a seasoned creative industries and digital economy consultant with 25 years of senior management experience in both private and public sectors.
Throughout his career, Bennett has played a pivotal role in emphasizing the importance of creative industries and the digital economy in driving the renewal and growth of various locations and economies worldwide.
With a background that includes serving as an agent for actors and directors at high-profile agencies like William Morris and ICM, Bennett went on to establish several successful ventures such as a digital design agency, a digital media incubator named Accelerator at London Metropolitan University, and Creative Lancashire, an economic development agency focused on the cultural and creative sector.
His impactful contributions extend to writing the inaugural regional strategy for digital and creative industries in the North West, overseeing pivotal skills and infrastructure initiatives that supported significant developments like the ifMediaCityUK in Salford, and managing influential government programs like the Department for Culture, Media & Sport's Superconnected Cities initiative.
In 2014, Bennett transitioned to become an Associate Director at BOP Consulting, where his responsibilities have included evaluating key projects like the AHRC-funded Creativeworks London Knowledge Exchange Hub, crafting strategies for entities such as UKTI (now the Department for International Trade), and developing insightful frameworks for global initiatives like the evaluation of Sharing Cities for Nesta.
His advisory roles have been diverse, ranging from providing guidance to Festivals Edinburgh on Digital Festivals Technology to formulating growth strategies for industries like video games in Coventry & Warwickshire, fashion in East London, and creative enterprises in the City of London's Culture Mile.
Bennett boasts an academic background with an MA in English from St Catherine's College, Cambridge, and an MBA with Distinction from London Metropolitan University. Additionally, he holds the honor of being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
