This workshop programme, presented by York St John Business School, runs alongside the UNESCO EXPO from 5-6 November as part of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, bringing together creative practitioners, SMEs, producers and emerging talent with a shared focus: building a stronger, more scalable creative industries economy.

The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Creative Industries Sector Plan positions the sector as a major engine of future growth, export performance and regional regeneration. Film, television, games, digital media and content-led businesses are increasingly expected not only to create cultural value, but to operate as investable, export-ready enterprises. Yet across the sector, many organisations remain constrained by fragmented supply chains, short-term project funding, and limited access to structured business development support.

Across two days at the De Grey Rooms, participants will learn about value creation, audience development, intellectual property, pitching, finance, sustainable business models, collaboration structures and international expansion. Each one-hour workshop is practical, applied and designed to build capability – supporting long-term sector resilience and growth.

The EXPO and all workshops are free to attend and do not require a festival pass.

Book Your Place | 5-6 November | De Grey Rooms, York