Our Economic Development team work on a wide range of projects, covering multiple sectors.
In the first of our profile pieces, we’re shining a light on Tracey Beeck our iMayflower Project Manager and the work that she’s doing with the creative economy.
Job Title
iMayflower Project Manager
What area of work do you focus on?
Delivering a large, three year, multi-partner, government funded project designed to create growth in our digital economy, and promote Plymouth as an outstanding place to live, work, study and visit for anyone with a creative talent.
Tell us a bit about your background and career history
I’ve worked in Local Government for much of my career in a varied range of roles; overall throughout each role my focus has been on improving customer service, and refining services so that they can become more efficient and effective all with a focus on how we can deliver more impact and outcomes. Often bringing service providers together to collaborate for the benefit of residents.
What are you working on at the minute?
I’m currently bringing together all of the different, exciting partner plans within the iMayflower project, including business support and skills and learning programmes, so that I can make sure everything stays on track, we get the best results and, though co-ordinating activities maximise any wider opportunities.
iMayflower is the result of a grant of nearly £3.5m from the Cultural Development Fund, supported by £2.5m of match funding from the partners Creative England, Crowdfunder, Destination Plymouth, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth College of Art, Real Ideas Organisation and University of Plymouth to deliver a three year transformational project for Plymouth, and is one of only 5 projects in England granted CDF funding. The Cultural Development Fund is focussed on delivering transformational growth for the creative and cultural industries. iMayflower will leverage the Mayflower 400 Culture and Heritage programme as a platform from which to launch a step change in Plymouth’s creative economy and make the city a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
How is what you’re working on going to impact on Plymouth and its businesses?
It will bring jobs and economic growth; which is brilliant because jobs in the creative/digital economy are stable and exciting. The project will showcase Plymouth as a fantastic city which is both interesting and a good place to set up business, study and work. The project will also give residents skills and experiences that will open up opportunities and encourage young people into careers in the creative economy.
We have a wealth of opportunities coming up with the Mayflower 400 commemorations, the opening of The Box, and the world leading Market Hall Immersive Dome opening, all of which will showcase what an incredible place really Plymouth is.
How can businesses engage with you and what you’re working on?
Businesses can keep up to date with the project progress by signing up to the Invest Plymouth newsletter. There will be a range of events and activities which will happen over the next couple of years, which will be publicised through the newsletter and by the partners (Crowdfunder, Creative England, Mayflower 400, Plymouth College of Art, Real Ideas Organisation, University of Plymouth).
What’s your favourite thing about your role and what you do?
I love that I have the opportunity to work with a range of talented, interesting and highly skilled people and that the work I’m doing will have a positive impact on the city for years to come.
How would you describe Plymouth in 3 words?
Stunning, exciting and confident.