How can we work together when we are working apart?

This is a question that is now at the centre of everything we are doing at Sail. Our clients have never needed our support more than now. We have just come off a zoom call with Newcastle Carers, who are one of our most beloved organisations in the region and this same question is now running through their organisation, for them the impact of this is huge. 

We need radical change and we need it now.

‘No one is too small to make a difference.’ Greta Thunberg

As we enter uncertain times both economically and socially, we must remember to support each other. Sail are thankful to be in an industry where we can work remotely, we are a small and agile team, but there are going to be tests ahead to keep afloat. Small businesses, freelancers, arts, culture and non-profits are going to be affected hugely and we are with you and support you. 

There are many organisations we know and love, and we vouch to do our best to support you through this difficult time. We have already seen clients and collaborators go into crisis. We will be donating some of our time to community projects and volunteering (even if from afar), and it’s up to bigger organisations to take some major responsibility to support smaller ones. We need radical change and we need it now. We are in for a bumpy ride, but buddy up, take each day as it comes and the world will change before our eyes. We will find new ways of working, find strength in solidarity and reprioritise for the better. If we can help with anything, please shout. X

How do you champion authentic storytelling?

Last week, I attended the Social Media Exchange in Newcastle. An event bringing change-makers together to discuss the importance of storytelling. I wanted to share our key takeaways. 

Each for Equal

Womxn -It’s time to cheer yourself on, celebrate your achievements and empower one another. We’re one step closer to equality, but our work is not yet done. The theme of International Womxn’s Day 2020 is ‘Each for Equal’ and we want to shout from the rooftops about Northern womxn who set out to level the playing field.

Hope for the creative and cultural industries

Sail are part of the Industry Champion network for NESTA and the PEC. We share our insight of the creative and cultural industry that then informs policy. A recent event looked at the value and growth of the creative sector, the importance of micro businesses/their contribution to the economy, and the strong reputation of the UK creative industry globally. Further research will include:

• More concentration across the UK 
• support for start-up to scale-up (there is a big gap where startups are not scaling, due to lack of support, knowledge and funding)
• gender equality around flexible working and care responsibilities being equal
• More focus on creative education and opportunities, so that this and STEM go hand in hand
• Immersive digital opportunities

The event proved and evidenced strong reason for why an organisation such as the PEC exists. As a small creative business owner, I left feeling hopeful and optimistic about the PEC’s focus on the future of the industry. 

How are we using social media for good?

Humans thrive and survive on community. Our phones are like an extra limb, an extra organ. We sleep next to it, and keep it in our pocket. 24 hours a day. 7 billion people are on the planet, and 6 billion have a phone. More than have access to clean drinking water or electricity. But, what are we doing with these tiny and powerful devices in our pockets?