eXpression Umeå is one of the country's leading business incubators in the cultural and creative industries. The incubator is now strengthening its team further.
- We want to meet the growing needs of our companies and enable us to continue to be at the forefront," says Marlene Johansson, CEO of eXpression Umeå.

The cultural and creative industries account for about three percent of Sweden's GDP - and the field is growing. Umeå, with eXpression Umeå in the lead, gets high marks for job creation and growth in the creative sector. In one year, the incubator has grown from eight companies to around 40 that are now developing their business ideas.

To meet the growing need, eXpression Umeå is hiring two top experts in their respective fields.

Amanda Westin takes on the role of Communications Officer. She has a background at reputable agencies such as Dallas Motion Agency and Diggin Larry. She is also educated at Berghs School of Communications, Beckmans School of Deisgn and Hyper Island.

- This is super fun and I'm looking forward to getting to know all the creative entrepreneurs at eXpressions, understanding their visions and helping to tell their stories," says Amanda Westin.

Joakim Bergbom is an industrial designer with a background from one of the world's largest design agencies, IDEO. At eXpression Umeå, he will mainly work on developing the design processes in the incubator and work with design issues towards the companies as a business developer He will divide his time between his assignment at eXpression Umeå and Umeå University Holding.

- Needs-based problem solving is close to my heart and I look forward to working with the eXpressions team and the companies in the incubator. And to work with them to shape and achieve their dreams and goals," says Joakim Bergbom.

- The creative sector in Umeå is important for knowledge building, it promotes innovation and economic growth. We are delighted that so many aspiring entrepreneurs and creative businesses are coming to us. With Amanda and Joakim, we have even better conditions to nurture new ideas and to help companies develop and take their place in the creative industry in Umeå as well as nationally and internationally," says Marlene Johansson.

Amanda Westin and Joakim Bergbom will take up their posts on 14 November and 3 September respectively.