_{L-R: Erinma Bell MBE with 'Guns to Goods' sculpture honouring the peace activist; John Brennan with Chimere, Erinma and Raymond Bell.}

Earlier this week, our CEO John Brennan met with Professor Erinma Bell MBE to discuss equality and inclusion in the creative industries. They first met in 2019 at a PT2 film presentation in Manchester and have stayed in touch, and Erinma’s daughter, Chimere Bell, has since started working at PT2 in our rentals department.

Professor Erinma Bell MBE is a peace activist recognised for her work tackling gun crime in Moss Side and Longsight in Manchester. In 2007, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown recognised Erinma’s efforts in chapter one of his book ‘Britain’s Everyday Heroes’ and in 2008, Erinma Bell was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to her community.

John says:
"Erinma is an incredible woman. From the first moment I met her I felt in awe of her work tackling gun crime in Moss Side and Longsight. She set up CARISMA (Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area) to give young people positive alternatives to street and gun crime. Her work extends to working with family support, local and national government, and Police authorities to create a socially inclusive, peaceful community".

Together, John and Erinma aim to lead a number of initiatives to create balance and inclusivity throughout the creative industries, encouraging people of all backgrounds to pursue their dream of working in film and television.