How we helped a North East-based business with their international expansion

Culture Creative Ltd (CCL) is a leading event producer specialising in immersive light trail experiences. In 2024 alone, their events welcomed over 3.6 million visitors worldwide, showcasing their creative expertise on a global stage.

Exporting has been a key driver of growth for CCL. In 2025, the company delivered 11 major events across Australia, the USA, and Austria, accounting for around a third of their overall business. These international projects have helped CCL expand its reach, build new partnerships, and strengthen its reputation as a world-class event producer.

CCL’s overseas events gained traction with Lightscape Chicago in 2019 (an event that has sold out annually ever since) and their events have become cultural landmarks in their host cities including Melbourne, Brooklyn and San Francisco - drawing large audiences and critical acclaim.

Having the right support at the right time has played a pivotal role in CCL’s international success. CCL has seen 3,000% of growth over the past 7 years and exporting has been a major contributor to this

Gary Campbell, Head of Business Operations at CCL said: “Without advice and support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on a myriad of areas, we simply wouldn’t have been able to deliver Chicago in the first year, let alone deliver it to budget. The event made significant profits for our business partners Chicago Botanic Garden, Sony Music Masterworks, and Raymond Gubbay Limited. This successful delivery proved the catalyst for our overseas expansion that has seen us deliver nearly 50 shows globally in the following years.

“DBT continue to support us six years later. Their ability to signpost us to the right support mechanism has been extraordinary. Invariably they save us time and money by pointing us in the right direction first time.

“Given the unique nature of some of our questions from the events industry, it is truly remarkable the depth and breadth of their knowledge. DBT’s ‘I know someone that can help with that’ support has been a real feature of us being able to deliver successfully in overseas markets.”

Gary’s top tip for new exporters:

“When it comes to DBT, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Their professionalism, acumen and willingness to understand your business means even the simplest query can lead to a game-changing answer. Don’t limit your expectations — just ask. You’ll be amazed at the support they can offer.”