Rupert Cornford
Editor - Features, InsiderTalking Point: A catalyst to creatives
Insider's Rupert Cornford hears from BBC director-general Mark Thompson and agrees that the corporation must look at ways of being sustainable beyond its boundaries.
When Mark Thompson, director-general of the BBC took to the stage at last week's CBI dinner, he did so in good humour. Instead of dodging the curveballs constantly thrown at the corporation’s move north, he embraced the jibes and even threw in a few jokes.
"I can't move to Salford because I'm a vegetarian," he quipped. Apparently this was one of a string of actual quotes from London staff considering the move. "I have been to Didsbury – it's nice – but I could only find one specialist cheese shop," was another, as we were all warming up.
But then he rolled out some numbers. A total of 100 people each weekend are moving into MediaCity and by Christmas more than 2,000 will be operating from the site. "In truth far more people have chosen to make the move than when government departments or big companies expand outside London," he said.
I'm glad that is the case. I'm a southerner, moved here four years ago, and prefer it to living in the South East. For those that do come, I hope they enjoy it as much because there is a world beyond the M25 and you're about to see it. I even took my parents to see MediaCity at the weekend – "look at this dad, it's ace!"
But the move of the BBC is important because it represents a huge opportunity for the creative and digital industries. The BBC, ITV, University of Salford may all be there but there are hundreds of small businesses just waiting to get involved.
Thompson said that one of the clear aims of the corporation was to look at growth and sustainability beyond its own boundaries and create jobs. And this is what needs to happen. There is a broader story of growth and economic success for the north of England and that is what the eyes of the world will now be watching.
Like its developing sites in Cardiff and Glasgow, the BBC sees Salford as a catalyst to the creative industries, and it reckons the development could generate thousands of additional jobs if it lives up to expectations. For it to be sustainable beyond the headlines of this year and next, this will have to be the case.
Insider is holding its annual Business of Media conference next week, featuring a SWOT analysis of the North West's media and creative sector. Speakers include Alex Connock, Terry Christian and Sean Marley.
Comments? Rupert Cornford, Insider
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