Module 8 examines the concept of entrepreneurial side of this project and how you can turn this into a successful business.

1. Entrepreneurial mind sets
This programme has been funded with support from the
European Commission
Getting it right
Module 8

2. Lock down the legals
Like it or not, if you’re looking to start a business, at some point
or another you’ve got to start thinking about legal bits and pieces.
Yes - the red tape. Boring? Daunting? Whatever your thoughts
are, it really needn’t be as bad as you think.

3. Lock down the legals
From the off there are some basic things that
have to be considered, such as:
What type of legal structure will the business
have?
And of course once you’ve figured that out,
then there’s the whole matter of protecting
what you’ve got. Yes, the rather fancifully
named Intellectual Property...Copyrights,
trademarks, patents and the like.
How do you protect your designs, brand,
photos or creations?

4. Lock down the legals
Then there’s the rules. Whether you are
setting up a craft shop or an online retail
platform there are rules and regulations that
you’ve got to adhere to.
Are there local government regulations?
Are there national or even international rules
that apply?
This guide will help you get to grips with all
this stuff, pointing you in the right direction of
the people and the places that can help you do
the legal equivalent of dotting those i’s and
crossing those t’s.

5. Types of enterprises to set up
There are a range of legal
structures available to businesses
and choosing the right one
depends largely on the type of
business and on the personal
preferences of the owner.

6. Types of enterprises to set up
Freelancing and self-employment are the most
frequent types of employment in the creative
sector and there are particularly large
concentrations of small enterprises and sole
traders in music and the performing arts, film,
TV and radio.
Enterprises tend to remain small-scale because
of the creative nature of the activities involved;
‘artist-entrepreneurs’ need to have control over
their creativity and the integration of innovation
into their practice. The dance sector, in
particular, has a large number of individual solo
artists and dance companies also tend to be
small, often touring, companies.
Most artists,
designer makers
and freelancers
are sole traders

7. Types of enterprises to set up
The rapid growth of the internet and the digital
distribution of music, the emergence of on-line music
businesses using the latest technology, have more
recently led to an increasingly significant
entrepreneurial role in the main growth areas of the
music industry. New markets, new business models of
music distribution in new media are opening up,
enabling more artists to work as cultural
entrepreneurs themselves, independently of record
companies and management, retaining their own
copyright.
A stronger independent SME music culture and
networks to support it are springing up and similar
trends are also beginning to affect the fi lm and
broadcasting industries

8. Types of business structure available to businesses are:
Sole
Trader
A business that is
owned and
controlled by one
person
Examples:
Photographers,
journalist,
performing arts,
web designer,
DJs, artists,
graphic designers
Partnership
A business that is
owned by two or
more people.
Examples:
Consultancy
company and
digital marketing
company
Limited
Company
A company
whose shares are
held privately by
a small group of
people.
Examples:
Solicitors,
accountants and
dentists
Franchise
Franchising is
when you buy
into an existing
business and
acquire the right
to use an existing
business idea
Examples:
McDonalds,
Costa Coffee, The
Creation Station
and Jo Jingles Ltd
Social
Enterprise
Trades for a
social purpose.
The profit
generated is
usually
reinvested in the
company or
community
rather than being
distributed to
shareholders and
owners.
Examples:
The Big Issue and
Jamie Oliver's
restaurant ‘15’

9. Advantages and Disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages with
each type of legal structure for a business.
If you are starting a business, seek
professional advice when choosing a legal
structure/status.

10. Types of
Enterprises
Advantages Disadvantages
Sole Trader • Easy to set up
• Don’t have to share profits
• Be your own boss
• Accounts not available to the public
• Personally liable for debts
• Solely responsible
• Limited access to capital
• No one to share problems with
• Difficult to get sickness cover
Partnership • Shared responsibilities & workload
• Combine skills & resources
• Increased sources of capital
• Shared risk
• Mutual support
• Shared ownership & control
• Shared profits
• Disagreements
• Reaching decisions may be harder
Limited Company • Limited liability
• Tax advantages when profits are
higher
• Separate legal existence
• Can sell shares
• Harder to set up
• Legal restrictions
• More paperwork
• Set-up costs
• Accounts are made available to the
public
Advantages and disadvantages

11. Types of
Enterprises
Advantages Disadvantages
Franchise • Recognised product/brand name
• Training & support
• Marketing support
• Established practices and policies
• Proven track record
• Possible exclusive territory rights
• Initial & ongoing fees
• Restrictions of the franchise
• Relies on the success of the franchise
• May be difficult to sell a franchise
• Control of the franchisor
• Profit sharing
Social Enterprise • Meeting a social need
• May have access to additional
sources of funding
• Can utilise local skills and resources
• Potential volunteer support
• Growing trend of ethical
consumerism
• Profits are reinvested to achieve the
social mission
• No personal gain
• Stakeholder scrutiny
• Might be viewed as providing an
inferior product or service
• Accountability and transparency
Advantages and disadvantages

12. What’s in a name…
Business / Self-employed / Freelancer
It’s important to be aware of the term ‘business’.
Some people refer to themselves as being ‘self-
employed’ whilst others may lay claim to the term
‘freelancer’ which really means working for
companies as a ‘sub-contractor’ rather than as an
‘employee’ for set lengths of time, hours, days,
weeks, months, etc. When you are properly
employed by an organisation or business you are
covered by employer’s insurance policy and your
income tax and national insurance contributions are
deducted at source. When working as self-employed
or freelance you are responsible for paying your
own tax, National Insurance and insurances.

13. Taking the plunge
Stepping into official 'trading status'
can be a big step. From the moment
you decide set up a business or
become self-employed, it can be a
good idea to allow some time
before commencing; this is called
the 'pre-start-up' period and could
last between 8 and 12 months.
This time can be used to undertake
research and attend business
courses.
NOTE
Organisations such as
local authorities, arts
organisations, creative
firms, agencies, shops,
galleries, schools and
colleges cannot legally
pay artists and designers
unless they have self-
employment status.

14. Taking the plunge
Registering as self-employed with HM Revenue
and Customs (HMRC - aka the Tax Man) is
relatively straight forward, though you need to
fully understand the process. Registering as self-
employed shouldn’t be rushed into unless you
have started to sell work, or be paid fees for any
other freelance work such as undertaking
workshops, commissions or assisting others.
Technically you should register with HMRC, which
is free by the way, as soon as you start spending
money on your business, such as buying materials,
making samples, paying for business start-up
courses, photography, setting up websites, printing
market materials, etc.

15. Taking the plunge
You can register as self-employed with HMRC
online by visiting:
www.gov.uk/new-business-register-for-tax
NOTE
HMRC also run
webinars with Art
Media and Design
businesses in mind.

16. Legal and regulatory issues
Whether you are setting up a craft shop or an online
retail platform there are rules and regulations that
you’ve got to adhere to.
Some legal regulations include:
• Intellectual property
• Consumer rights
• Distance selling
• Health and safety
• Insurance i.e.
public/product/employers’
liability, motor vehicle insurance
• Employment legislation
• Disability legislation
• Data protection
• Food safety
• Environmental protection
• Lease agreement

17. Key
Resources

18. Premises - Find a Space to Create
You can
•work from home or your local café or library
•rent a studio space, hot desk or unit
•hire a studio space
•work at your client’s office or studio
Many creative businesses have started out from a
kitchen table, small office space or garden shed.
Working from homes means you will save money on
transport and renting premises, and you may be able to
deduct a proportion of your home costs as a business
expense from your tax bill.

19. Premises - Find a Space to Create
If you decide you want to work from premises, think
about the specific needs of your business.
Key factors to consider
•Business needs i.e. purpose, size, layout, length of
tenure, security
•Financial i.e. rent, rates, alterations, utility bills, fixtures
& fittings
•Marketing i.e. location, image/branding, customer
convenience
•Legal and regulations i.e lease agreement, planning
permission, building regulations

21. Finding premises
Tapping into networks will help you find specific types
of creative workspace, shared space or temporary hires.
Consider sharing a working space with others.
A property search on Gumtree may help with finding
smaller studio and office spaces.
The local council should have information about vacant
properties within your surrounding area.
Find premises by asking other creatives, or check in local
papers or on property websites i.e. local estate agent
websites or Property Pal.

22. People
Though many people start a business on their own, they
may need to work alongside other people from time to
time to help them run their business efficiently:
•Entrepreneur(s)
•Family and friends
•Staff i.e. marketing, administration, production
•Professional services i.e. accountant
•Subcontractors and associates

23. Build a personal network of peers
The creative process for artists and entrepreneurs alike
can be lonely. Building a community of people who will
support your creative endeavours can be game
changing. Networking can present opportunities to
prevent isolation and to share ideas and resources.
You seldom ever get anything meaningful or genuinely
creative done all by yourself. Besides offering
connections to potential customers or investors, a
strong network can become a boundless source of
support, accountability, and fresh ideas to test out and
build on.

24. Build a personal network of peers
Last but not least, hanging around with other creative
people is enjoyable. For many people, ‘networking’ is a
dirty word, but luckily in the creative sector most people
on the scene tend to be interesting to talk to, either
because of what they do, who they are, or both. A key
skill is finding a balance between creative independence
and qualities allowing mutually beneficial networking
There are a range of business support networks that
creative entrepreneurs can tap into. These networks are
increasingly forming online (social media platforms,
forums etc) and in local communities.

25. Mentoring
Mentoring is freely offering advice, support and
guidance by one person to another. It should be a non-
judgmental relationship, encouraging them to move
confidently through a range of new experiences. It can
be on a 1-2-1 basis or carried out in a group session.
Mentors can be many things - a positive role model, an
adviser, an experienced friend. Somebody from outside
a person's immediate circle taking a special interest can
make an enormous difference.
Young people can learn so much by working with more
experienced mentors in their sector.

26. Collaborative working
Combination of individualism with
collaboration – individuals develop core skills
(as a songwriter, musician, actor) but often then
need to collaborate or work in teams. Working
as part of a creative community, in networks of
collaborators – bands need videos made, for
instance. Artistic communities and ‘creative
clusters’ can promote intense and fruitful rivalry
between artists, as well as collaboration.
The process of collaboration and competition at
a local level sometimes also fosters knowledge
and expertise within in a local cluster,
stimulating new trends.

27. Collaborative working
One of the best things about being a creative is getting
to work with interesting creative people. The more
talented and trusted people you know, the better your
chances of assembling the perfect team.
Individuals/businesses can work collaboratively in order
to meet a wide range of aims and for a variety of
purposes, but what all these options have in common
are that they involve an exchange that is of mutual
advantage to the Individuals/businesses involved.
Collaborative working involves a unified way of
improving a current practice and moving forward
together. Arts working together should engage in
discussion and share ideas, experiences and advice and
not be afraid speak up when things aren’t working out.

28. Collaborative working
The old saying, "two heads are
better than one" has been around
for over four centuries for a reason.
More effective problem solving
happens when you combine
resources in talent, experience,
finances and infrastructure.
Learn, learn, and learn some
more! Each time you collaborate
with others you optimise your
capacity to extend beyond your
comfort zone, grow, and in turn,
stretch your boundaries.

29. Collaborative working
Benefits:
•more efficient use of resources
•financial savings and a better use of resources
•knowledge and information sharing
•sharing of risks in new projects
•shared skills and expertise between individuals
Collaboration NI
Thinking of setting up a social enterprise
and want to know more about working
collaboratively?
They will offer free support to help you
explore your ideas further.
Visit www.collaborationni.nicva.org

30. Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers
The Donegal Designer Makers are a network of studio based makers
from all over Donegal working in a broad range of disciplines from
ceramics, fashion and textiles, jewellery, metalwork, batik, print, and
painting.
The design network was established in 2010 by members of the Donegal
Craft Guild and the group has grown rapidly with a membership of 24 full
time makers. Membership comes through a selection process meeting
certain criteria.
The network’s main focus is to give assistance, raise the profile of the
Donegal designer makers, access and share information, exhibition /
trading possibilities, PR and general support systems.
CASE STUDY

31. Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers
Already establishing itself as a recognised brand producing contemporary
high end, innovative and original works, the Donegal Designer Makers
are one of the largest craft networks registered with the Crafts Council of
Ireland. As a highly motivated collective there is constant planning for
creative projects and collaborations and so the network’s structure
depends on the participation of all its members.
The Donegal designer makers Design & Craft Shop located at Main St,
Ardara, Donegal has been steadily gaining a reputation as one of the best
outlets for locally produced handmade craft/design in Donegal. On
display are a range of beautiful ceramics, paper craft, photography,
batik, jewellery, wood-turning and much more available at prices ranging
from €5 to €500.
CASE STUDY

32. Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers
More information - www.donegaldesignermakers.com
CASE STUDY

33. Equipment
Sourcing the right equipment can be challenging.
Business equipment includes computers, machinery,
tools, furniture and vehicles. There are number of key
factors to bear in mind when selecting equipment e.g.
the business needs, financial considerations, suppliers
and what happens in the event of a breakdown.
There are legal issues to consider e.g. health and
safety regulations and environmental issues. Plan
carefully when sourcing equipment and shop around.
Ask for discount where possible and be aware of
companies who may try to sell more than the business
actually requires.

34. Equipment
Examples of equipment
•Tools
•Machinery
•IT/computers
•Office furniture
•Vehicles
•Fixtures and fittings

35. Equipment
Financial Considerations Costs, new or second hand, maintenance,
depreciation, hire purchase
Supplier Who, payment terms, discount, reliability,
delivery, quality
Legal Issues Health and safety, environmental
legislation, regulations
Business Needs
Purpose, function, features, capacity,
space requirements, reliability, future
needs

36. Stock and supplies
Managing stock is an important part of business
operations and involves purchasing, storing, controlling
and handling stock. One of the most important tasks in
stock control is maintaining the right level of stocks. The
aim is to keep stock levels as low as possible so that
costs are minimised whilst at the same time ensuring
there is sufficient stock levels to meet demand.
Examples of stock
•Materials
•Parts and components
•Packaging
•Consumables i.e. office supplies and stationery

37. Stock and supplies
Other key factors to consider:
•Price
•Shelf Life
•Quality
•Reliability
•Delivery timescales
•Suppliers
•Planning & Stock Control
•Credit Terms

38. Suppliers
Goods and services can be sourced by using:
•Online marketplaces
– eBay www.ebay.co.uk
– Gumtree www.gumtree.co.uk
– Esources www.esources.co.uk
– Alibaba www.alibaba.com
•Internet i.e. company websites
•Attending trade fairs and exhibitions
•Auctions
•Advertisements in magazines
•Retailers
•Networking
•Directories
•Contacting trade associations

39. Suppliers
When choosing a supplier look for criteria such as:
•reliability
•delivery timescales
•cost
•quality
•credit terms
If possible, try to negotiate discount and trade credit and
ensure service levels are agreed. It is important to
habitually compare suppliers in terms of price, quality,
credit terms etc.

40. Intellectual property

41. What is intellectual property?
If you’ve spotted an opportunity or thought of an idea,
you need to think about Intellectual Property. Music.
Books. Computer software. Products we use in our daily
lives… each is a product of human creativity, and that
creativity is protected. It is creations of the mind, once
expressed, that make up intellectual property (IP).
The crucial word here is “expressed”. There’s no IP
protection in the UK for ideas or concepts, only for
expression of those ideas or concepts.
IP is a very difficult and grey area but if you
create/invent/design something it automatically belongs
to you.

42. Protect your intellectual property
The most common types of IP protection for certain
types of activities are:
•Patents and Design Rights - technical solutions, new
inventions and products
•Copyright - for literary, artistic, dramatic and musical
works
•Trade Marks - for brand names, words, sounds and
even (very rarely) smells i.e. Coca Cola, McDonalds,
Starbucks, Nike

43. Protect your intellectual property
Creative organisations are rich in intellectual property
(IP) that might have to be protected from illegal copying
or use (‘infringement’ or ‘misappropriation’). The risks
are even greater in a world dominated by digital media.
It is a complex area in which you might well need advice
from IP lawyers or specialist agencies.
In business, everything from your own designs, software,
brand, packaging and logo should be protected. In a
nutshell, all of your mental and creative outputs can be
transformed into tangible commodities so that you can
license, sell, trade, divide or retain your rights to those
commodities.

44. Roger Vs Koons
Photographer Art Rogers shot a photograph of a couple holding a line of
puppies in a row and sold it for use in greeting cards and similar
products. Internationally, renowned artist Jeff Koons ran across Rogers’
photograph and used it to create a set of statues based on the image.
Can you build upon another’s work to create your own original piece?
CASE STUDY

45. Intellectual property – The basics
• Any creative output is protected by various
intellectual (IP) property rights
• Copyright is automatic on any of your creations as
long as you haven’t copied somebody else’s work or
taken a substantial part of it
• Design right protects the appearance of a product
resulting from its shape, colour or material, but not
its function
• Creative Commons provides an easy-to-use licensing
system which enables users to share copyright-
protected work online without asking the owner of
copyright work for permission first

46. Intellectual property – The basics
• Trade mark is any sign capable of distinguishing your
goods or services from other goods and services
• Patents – if your idea or innovation has an industrial
application, you may wish to consider applying for a
patent

47. Top tips
Keep drawings, write ideas down and date them. Some
people even post the drawings to themselves so it has a
dated post mark. In the event of someone using your
idea you can then prove you thought of it first.
A very good place to start when thinking
about how to value and protect IP is the
UK government’s Intellectual Property
Office, which has produced several free
online guides and tools.

48. Further sources of support
Here is a list of organisations and links to help you
move to the next stage.
Creative Entrepreneurs
This initiative is aimed at inspiring young people to
start their own creative businesses, and offers an
online platform full of advice and resources that are
relevant to budding entrepreneurs across music, TV,
design and theatre. The website brings together and
organises, in one place for the first time, the
business resources, advice and inspiration people
need to get their creative ideas off the ground. Visit
www.creativeentrepreneurs.co

49. Further sources of support
Shell Livewire
If you are under thirty years old,
contact Shell Livewire as they can assist
you in the research and funding of your
enterprise. Visit www.shell-livewire.org.
The Princes Trust
The Princes Trust is focusing on helping
people with low academic achievement
who are under thirty years old However
they may still be able to help you if you
are in difficult circumstances or have a
disability. Visit www.princes-trust.org.uk.

50. Further sources of support
Unltd
Through their competitive awards programme they
offer support for social entrepreneurs at various stages
of their journey. Visit www.unltd.org.uk.
Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT Ltd)
Established in 1995 in response to decreasing grant
support from government and the difficulties
experienced by community organisations in accessing
commercial loan facilities. The organisation now stands
as the key provider of social finance, free advice,
business support and mentoring to the social economy
sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Visit www.ucitltd.com

51. Further sources of support
Advantage NI
Advantage is a leading company specialising in economic
development and entrepreneurship for young people.
They work with clients in the public, private and not-for-
profit sectors and apply their expertise to promote
starting a business as a realistic and viable career option
to young people aged 16-30.
Through the programmes they have designed, they
engage with over 20,000 young people in Northern
Ireland alone each year and can offer each one,
individual, bespoke information, advice and guidance on
starting, running and growing a business. Visit
www.advantage-ni.com

52. Further sources of support
Young Enterprise NI
Young Enterprise NI is a charity developing the
entrepreneurial skills and aspirations of young people
aged four to 25 to prepare them for the new economy.
They develop the skills of young people to ensure they
leave education prepared for life and work. Working in
partnership with education and business they engage
with 100,000 young people each year.
With support from the Department of Education their
programmes address the skills development
requirements of the NI curriculum. Their methodology
has been recognised by EU research as the best practice
approach to developing entrepreneurial skills in young
people. Visit www.yeni.co.uk

53. Further sources of support
Enterprise agencies
Enterprise Agencies, some of which are creative industry
focused, can offer free training and advice to start-ups. A
small number even distribute small funds or offer loans.
It is highly advisable that you contact a business advisor
or attend a training course at an Enterprise Agency
before you consider starting up a creative business
You might not appreciate the generic or corporate
nature of the workshops. If this is the case you might
wish to contact a local creative industries Hub or enrol
on a business start-up course more tailored to your
needs. A list of Northern Ireland Enterprise Agencies can
be found at www.enterpriseni.com/lea-office-locations.

54. Further sources of support
Citizens Advice Bureau
It is worth contacting your
local Citizens Advice Bureau to discuss
benefits and welfare entitlements
such as housing benefit, Tax credits,
job seekers allowance etc.
Visit www.citizensadvice.co.uk.
Creative mentoring schemes
Much valuable experience can be
gained from creative mentoring
schemes that run periodically.

55. Further sources of support
CollaborationNI
They offer bespoke collaboration support and help
organisations in the voluntary, community and social
enterprise (VCSE) sector to collaborate. Any VCSE
organisation interested in collaboration can access free
support from CollaborationNI irrespective of size,
geographical location or type of work.
Their focus is on supporting ‘collaboration of the willing
for purpose’ - whether you are exploring an idea,
seeking a partner, developing an existing collaboration
or driving forward an agreed project, CollaborationNI
can help. Visit www.collaborationni.nicva.org

56. Further sources of support
Digital Circle
Digital Circle represents digital content
businesses in Northern Ireland.
Visit www.digitalcircle.org
CultureTECH
An epic festival of digital technology,
media, music and art.
Visit https://twitter.com/culturetechfest
or www.facebook.com/culturetechfest
Generator NI
Government-backed music business
development programme.
Visit www.generatorni.com

57. Further sources of support
Craft Northern Ireland
The champion for craft in Northern
Ireland. Visit www.craftni.org
NORIBIC
Bringing good ideas to fruition and
improving aspects of business.
Visit www.noribic.com
Honeycomb
A trans-national support programme to
maximise the economic potential of the
creative industries sector.
Visit www.thehoneycomb.net

58. Further sources of support
NI Design Alliance
Partner group of the UK Design Alliance,
which aims to invest and develop
Northern Ireland's design talent. Visit
www.nidesignalliance.com
Oh Yeah Centre
A dedicated music centre for Belfast
Website – www.ohyeahbelfast.com
Nerve Centre
The Nerve Centre is Northern Ireland’s
leading creative media arts centre
Website – www.nervecentre.org

59. Further sources of support
NI Theatre Association
Developing Theatre in Northern Ireland
Website – www.nitatheatre.org
Arts & Business NI
Works to build a partnership between business and the
arts to benefit our society in far reaching...
Visit www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk

60. Further sources of support
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is
the development and funding agency for
the Arts in Northern Ireland. They
distribute public money and National
Lottery funds to develop and deliver a
wide variety of arts projects, events and
initiatives across Northern Ireland.
From theatre and literature to art in the
community, they work in partnership
with hundreds of artists, arts
organisations and venues.
Visit www.artscouncil-ni.org

61. Further sources of support
Arts Council of Ireland
The Arts Council of Ireland is the Irish government agency
for developing the arts. They work in partnership with
artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others
to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. Visit
www.artscouncil.ie.
Arts Council England
Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in
activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from
theatre to digital art, publishing to dance, music to
literature, and crafts to collections. Between 2015 and
2018, they will invest £1.1 billion of public money from
government.Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk

62. Further sources of support
Arts Council of Wales
The Arts Council of Wales is the
country’s funding and development
organisation for the arts. Their
principal sponsor is the Welsh
Government. We also distribute
funding from the National Lottery and
raise additional money where we can
from a variety of public and private
sector sources. Their priorities are to
distribute Lottery funds, provide
advice about the arts, grow the arts
economy and encourage more people
to enjoy and take part in the arts.
Visit www.arts.wales

63. Further sources of support
Creative England
Creative England invests in talented people and creative
ideas, supporting the country’s richly diverse games, TV,
film and digital media industries, with direct investment,
loans and business mentoring. They’re building strong,
long-term relationships with industry and their partners.
They provide practical support for film and TV production;
organise networking and events; provide mentoring,
information and business advice. They connect and
combine local knowledge with national and international
reach.
Visit www.creativeengland.co.uk

64. Further sources of support
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts,
screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland.
Its funding is focused on strategic sectoral growth and is
delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and
Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which each have a focus
on supporting individual businesses.
They enable people and organisations to work in and
experience the arts, screen and creative industries in
Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring
them to life. They distribute funding from the Scottish
Government and The National Lottery.
Visit www.creativescotland.com

65. Further sources of support
Northern Ireland Screen
Northern Ireland Screen is the government backed lead
agency for the film, television and digital content industry,
with the aim of promoting international expansion. It
provides funding for feature films, TV drama, factual and
entertainment TV, animation and digital content.
It also offers a free information service helping you with all
aspects of filming in Northern Ireland; budgeting, studios,
crew, locations, permissions and services, ensuring that
filming happens as easily and effectively as possible.
Northern Ireland Screen also provides funding for script
development, feature documentaries and short films via
the Lottery Fund, and production funding via the Irish
Language Broadcast Fund and Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
Visit www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk

66. Further sources of support
British Film Council
British Council Film is the link between
UK films and filmmakers and new
international audiences. Together with
the British Council’s global network
overseas they work to profile the
innovation, diversity, creativity and
excellence of British films around the
world, and work to find opportunities
for creative exchange between UK
filmmakers and international
counterparts.
Visit film.britishcouncil.org

67. Further sources of support
Irish Film Board
The role of the Irish Film Board (IFB) is the national
development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish
film, television and animation industry, investing in
talent, creativity and enterprise. The agency supports
writers, directors and production companies across these
sectors by providing investment loans for the
development, production and distribution of film,
television and animation projects.
The IFB also supports and promotes the Irish screen
industries at major international markets and festivals.
The agency provides a strategic vision for industry
training through Screen Training Ireland. Visit
www.irishfilmboard.ie

68. Further sources of support
Royal Television Society NI
A leading forum for television and related media. Visit
www.rts.org.uk/about-northern-ireland

69. Further sources of support
Council of Irish Fashion Designers - Their aim is to:
•build an aspirational brand for the premium sector of the
Irish fashion industry
•speak with a strong voice on behalf of its members to
government, state agencies, media, business associations
and the public at large
•create a forum for the dissemination of information of
interest to members through a program of formal lectures,
guest addresses or informal discussion
•To provide a facility for the sharing of commercial
information of benefit to members
•develop co-operative promotional strategies and events
within the Membership and with other industries where
common purpose can be served

70. Further sources of support
Council of Irish Fashion Designers - Their aim is to:
•establish a basis for informal contact and support
between members
•actively encourage and nurture new entrants to the Irish
fashion industry
Visit www.irishfashiondesigners.com

71. Further sources of support
British Fashion Council
The British Fashion Council is committed to developing
excellence and growth in a sector that is a significant
contributor to the British economy. We nurture, support
and promote British fashion talent to a global market.
Visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com
Creative and Cultural Skills - Their mission is
•To give young people opportunities to work and learn in
the creative industries
•To ensure that employers benefit from a skilled
generation of talent
•To help the creative industries continue on a course of
economic growth.
Visit www.ccskills.org.uk

72. Further sources of support
Creative Skillset
Industry body supporting skills and training in key sub-
sectors of the creative industries.
Visit www.creativeskillset.org

73. Further sources of support
The-Dots
•The UK's fastest growing professional
creative community where you can:
•Promote yourself or your business
•Network and collaboration
•Connect with commercial opportunities
You can easily create a free profile - each
profile acts as a professional website and
includes your creative portfolio, show reel,
full resume, clients, experience,
recommendations and skills.
Visit www.the-dots.co.uk

74. Further sources of support
University for the Creative Arts
As a specialist creative arts university, they have
created a unique community for their students,
where like-minded people can share in the creative
process and inspire one another.
Collaboration between courses is encouraged, with
fine artists studying with budding filmmakers and
fashion designers working alongside architects. In
this way, their students benefit from exposure to a
range of disciplines. Choosing to study with them will
give you the freedom to discover your own personal
style through a winning combination of industry-
focused courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and
inspirational expert staff. Visit www.uca.ac.uk

75. Useful links
UK Intellectual Property Office
www.ipo.gov.uk
Ireland Intellectual Property Office
www.patentsoffice.ie
NI Business Info
www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk
HMRC
www.gov.uk/government/organisatio
ns/hm-revenue-customs
Irish Tax & Customs
www.revenue.ie
Health & Safety Executive
(UK)
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Authority
Ireland
www.hsa.ie
Rules & regulations for Irish
based businesses
www.businessregulation.ie

76. Congratulations
you have completed Module 8