ci:p founder Matthew Conduit was at the forefront of the development of the Cultural Industries Quarter in Sheffield from the early 1980s to 2000. After studying Fine Art, Matthew was Director of the Untitled Photographic Gallery (now Site Gallery) and then worked in the Creative Industries Development Team at Sheffield City Council. From 1990 he acted as Development Director for the multi-million pound Workstation managed workspace complex, which was completed with the final phase of the Showroom Independent Cinema in 1998. During the CIQ development period, various delivery organisations and strategies were founded and developed, including Sheffield Media & Exhibition Centre Limited (Workstation & Showroom), the CIQ Development Strategy (with EDAW), Inspiral Limited (business development and support) and Wired Workplace Limited (wired business networks). The CIQ was developed and established through a period when the creative industries sector was not as prioritised as it is today, and has been cited as an exemplar in the use of culture as a key tool within urban and economic regeneration.

Matthew has an extensive background in developing the creative industries sector, having been directly involved in all these initiatives. In 2000 he set up ci:p and has since worked as an advisor and consultant on creative industries development strategies and policies and feasibility studies for workspace and creative production facilities across the UK.

Associates: The following are some of the key associates who work with ci:p on a regular basis as part of the consultant team:

Studio Gedye Architecture & Design:
By working closely with Studio Gedye, ci:p ensures that architectural solutions are developed at outline and feasibility stage in parallel with business planning. Working together for over 10 years, ci:p and Studio Gedye have developed a methodology for demand analysis, site analysis, building design, and project planning from inception through to delivery. Simon Gedye has valuable experience in finding viable uses for historic settings and listed buildings, and specialises in bespoke new solutions for cultural workspace, studios and venues.

Andrew Gaunt, Bernard Williams Associates (BWA):  
A firm of Cost Consultants and Building Economists with over 30 years experience of arts, community and urban regeneration projects.  BWA's Andrew Gaunt has worked with ci:p on the Woodend Creative Industries Centre in
Scarborough, and recently on the Ash Tree Yard, Creative Outpost and Heeley Bank projects in Sheffield.

Arup, Sheffield:  
ci:p and Studio Gedye have worked on many projects
with Arup over the years, mainly with David Scholey through their Sheffield office.  Arup are world renowned in their field, and have played a crucial role in much of ci:p's project development work, including Ash Tree Yard Workspace and Creative Outpost in Sheffield.

Allen Tod Architecture Limited:
ci:p have worked with Allen Tod on numerous building development studies and projects since 2000. Working with ATA Director Simon Gedye, this relationship has developed an immensely thorough and tested sector specific methodology for demand analysis, site analysis, building design, and project planning from feasibility stages through to delivery, including viable uses for difficult, old and listed buildings for cultural workspace, studios and venues.

Frank Wilkes, Amity Group Consultants:
Frank Wilkes has been at the forefront of music facility, training and programming development for many years, having helped develop and manage projects such as Darnall Music Factory and Red Tape Studios in Sheffield, and more recently Host Media Centre in Leeds. Frank provides ci:p with specialist music sector intelligence and development work, especially with regard to music provision in the education sectors.

Ian Wild, Sheffield Media & Exhibition Centre:
Ian Wild worked with Matthew Conduit for over ten years on the Workstation and Showroom Cinema development. Now the organisation's Chief Executive. Ian provides specialist advice to ci:p on commercial and independent cinem.

Please see Resources page for details of further Associates and Partners