GrowthLab London – THE event for the indie sector – returns for 2024

GrowthLab London, the unmissable event for indies from Indielab, is back on Wednesday 11th September 2024, giving indies a much-needed opportunity to network, learn and forge connections to propel their businesses forward in the 2024/25 content market.  

GrowthLab London is entirely focused on business generation for the UK’s indies, the heart of the UK’s television industry for whom (as Indielab’s recently published Indie Voice 2024 survey shows) getting shows commissioned, produced, on screen and in front of an audience has been more challenging than ever this year. 

Indie Voice also showed how agile and innovative UK indies are, with over 50% of those surveyed having adopted new production strategies and 77% explored new revenue streams over the past year. GrowthLab London provides an arena for indies to discover and address opportunities like these in the new content economy, and forge new connections with distributors, broadcasters, streamers, financiers and other services. 

Victoria Powell, Indielab’s CEO, says: “Indielab is an ally to the indie sector. Indie Voice showed us what the sector wants and needs, not just to survive but to achieve success – and we listened. GrowthLab London is not a typical, one-size-fits-all conference where people just talk at you. It has a real purpose, and is created for indies to help them drive business, navigate the new content economy, and generate more opportunities with partners including distributors, financiers, commissioners and others.” 

Following the success of last year’s sold out event, which welcomed 200 delegates, this year GrowthLab London has been extended with break-out seminars and a commissioner zone to complement dynamic panel sessions, LabTalks - case studies of indie innovation – and a distributor Market Hall.  

This year GrowthLab London welcomes Patrick Holland, Banijay UK’s CEO and Executive Chairman, as keynote speaker. Patrick understands production from all perspectives. He has worked across the TV production spectrum, from running an indie to being a commissioner and a BBC controller, and he now oversees Banijay’s portfolio of 20+ UK indies.

The event will host interactive panels featuring distributors, agents, brands and commissioners from broadcasters and streamers, who will openly discuss key topics affecting the indie sector, addressing what indies need to succeed and grow in today’s competitive and fast-changing global industry. 

This year GrowthLab London’s panels will focus on the new content economy, covering topics includingcommissioning, packaging, production finance and brand funding, as well as digital first strategies and audience trends.

“It was fantastic to have been part of such an informative panel session amongst industry peers at last year’s event and feature in the Market Hall. The indie sector is hugely important to Banijay and we’re delighted to support GrowthLab London this year as we continue to engage with a broad range of companies - it’s a very worthwhile and valuable event” said Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay. 

“The distributor Market Hall is an invaluable opportunity to meet distributors face-to-face and build relationships to unlock new revenue. Here at Rollem, we have made various deals as a direct result of these meetings, including lucrative distribution of two back catalogue shows and securing a pre-sale deal for a new project, resulting in development funding from North America” said Rosie Perry, Business Manager at Rollem Productions. 

“Miller  is thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor GrowthLab London, doing our part to support the indie sector. As the industry continues to evolve and change rapidly, so do the challenges faced. As dedicated media, film & TV specialists we look forward to supporting the indies, sourcing insurance products, offering advice and providing a service that we can all be proud of” said Juan Hernandez, Miller Insurance. 

GrowthLab London is being delivered by Indielab, in partnership with Miller Insurance with sponsorship from Banijay Entertainment, and Getty Images. 

Indielab has endeavoured to keep GrowthLab London ticket prices affordable for indies despite inflationary pressures. Tickets for GrowthLab London go on sale today, 29th May, with Earlybird prices of £130 (+VAT) for indies, and £235 (+VAT) for non-indies. Tickets can be obtained by visiting the Indielab website https://weareindielab.co.uk/growthlab24

Indielab is proud to offer bursaries of 50% off the full ticket price to diverse/disabled indies and indies from the Nations and Regions to attend GrowthLab London 2024. Bursaries can be applied for here https://weareindielab.co.uk/growthlab24-bursaries

GrowthLab London will take place on Wednesday 11th September 2024 at Barclays in Canary Wharf, London, from 1pm – 6pm and will be followed by a networking drinks reception. 

Further details of sessions and speakers will be announced over the coming weeks.