A FREE conference highlighting the importance of creative enterprise to the local economy will be hosted by Buckinghamshire New University this week.

The event, called 'Creative Minds: Creative Futures' will take place on Tuesday at Wycombe Town Hall and the university.

As well as being an opportunity for young people thinking about their futures, it is also aimed at people looking for a change of career or considering new directions.

Research commissioned in 2007, by Creative Bucks, found creative enterprises accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the county's economy.

Vicky Hope-Walker, co-ordinator for Creative Bucks, said:“Our research provided a comprehensive insight into the creative industries across the county, and early indications this year suggest that the strength of the creative economy has been maintained and at the moment creative enterprise in Bucks is continuing to prosper despite the current climate.”

A range of expert speakers will attend the conference, including Nik Powell, co-founder of Virgin Records, Tom Robinson, singer/ songwriter and BBC broadcaster, and Yasmin Sidhwa, actress and director.

It is being organised by the Faculty of Creativity & Culture and is sponsored by Progress South Central, The Lifelong Learning Network for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

The theme of the conference is to: “Identify the importance of the creative industries employment sector: how creative talents can be turned into productive employment”.

Ruth Gunstone, deputy dean of the faculty of Creativity & Culture at the university, said: “The conference is all about widening participation in the creative sector, and we aim to encourage those who may not have previously thought about a creative career to do so, and to experience the breadth and variety of options available to them.”

 Anyone interested in attending must book first. For more information and registration details e-mail Emma Raftery at emma.raftery@bucks.ac.uk or call 01494 603 054.