The Creative Quarter Company, Nottingham’s economic development agency for the creative and digital sector and placing-making organisation for the Creative Quarter locality, has appointed Tamily Cookson as Interim CEO. Previously Programme and Events Manager for the company and its business support programme The Big House, Tamily has worked for the Creative Quarter since 2018.
The appointment comes after a busy twelve months for the organisation which has worked remotely and online for the majority of the year, supporting the creative and digital sector by providing information on Covid-related business support, expert advice and workshops and talks. The Creative Quarter launched the Lunchtime LoCQdown series, a free online session that took place at lunchtime every day, eventually moving to a weekly slot and wrapping up in February 2021 after 70 live online events. At the same time, the Creative Quarter has continued to support entrepreneurs and SMEs by running a continuous programme of mentoring and workshops via The Big House project. The Creative Quarter is funded by Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Trent University, and continues to work collaboratively with both organisations, supporting their vital work throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Tamily joined the Creative Quarter following a number of years working in the arts and education sector, including as Events and Office Manager at Nottingham Contemporary, Freelance Event Manager for CASE Europe, and Head of Events at Cilt – The National Centre for Languages. This interim role has been created to ensure the continuing leadership for an organisation that is committed to supporting Nottingham’s creative and digital community, and the Creative Quarter’s many shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues during this uncertain time.
On her appointment as interim CEO, Tamily said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled! The opportunity to lead the Creative Quarter team through what we hope to be post-COVID recovery is very exciting. I’ve loved working for the organisation so far, and truly believe that the work we do is vital for the City of Nottingham. Acting as a catalyst for growth and development and working collaboratively are key for us; I very much look forward to strengthening connectivity within both the CDI sector and the businesses in the CQ geography, building stronger relationships and supporting those businesses where we are able.”
Tamily outlines her plans for the next year:
“I will ensure that the Creative Quarter is an integral part of the conversations with Nottingham’s property developers, using the opportunity for collaboration in order to promote the city as the perfect place to live, learn, work and invest. The CQ will continue to contribute to critical agenda items for the whole city including the 2028 Carbon Neutral Action Plan, D2N2 Recovery & Growth Strategy 2020 – 2030, the Nottingham Economic Recovery and Renewal Plan and The Nottingham Project. We will also undertake a piece of research to better understand the issues facing CQ businesses as they emerge and begin recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, developing a greater understanding of how we can develop our support offer and best serve our community.”
Susan Hallam, Chair of the Creative Quarter Board, said:
“Tamily is an asset to the Creative Quarter; her knowledge of the organisation, her commitment to relationships with the creative and digital community, and her passion for realising the city’s potential makes her the perfect person to lead the company during this transitional period. The Creative Quarter board look forward to working collaboratively with her as she guides the organisation through its next steps.”
Posted on 25 March 2021
