10065626Bristol24/7 membership engineClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKSince 2020 we have leveraged human centred research to analyse the needs of Bristol communities and businesses. In response, we developed a prototype membership platform, which now has 920 paying public members. Testing targeting segmented groups by area and interests led to 120% increase in membership acquisition. We now need to integrate advanced content creation and automation tools in an industry first to ensure capacity for sustainable growth. Our membership model allows our readers to support our journalism and community projects and be rewarded with perks. Through our Community Reporter (CR) initiative we recruit, train and employ untrained writers from Bristol's most deprived wards, bringing new voices into media alongside our experienced editorial team, building engagement in areas that are increasingly mistrustful of local media. The CR produce hyperlocal content which is published through the platform. This initiative is the biggest driver of new members but needs better technology underpinning it to unlock its potential. This project allows us to develop content creation & automation tools, allowing us to create 'micro-qualifications' to upskill staff, CR and our members, automate & target content, develop a powerful referral system, and collect and present granular data on member behaviour, demographics and social impact.