This morning, The UK Government has published its Creative Industries Sector Plan, launched alongside its broader Industrial Strategy, promising millions in funding for music, gaming, film and TV and £150m for creative businesses outside London.
Earlier this year, the creative industries were identified by Government as one of eight ‘growth driving’ sectors, set to benefit from investment as part of a ‘plan for change’. Key announcements from the Plan include:
- £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK Business
- Business Investment in creative industries to nearly double to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered DCMS will appoint a freelance champion for the creative industries
- DCMS will appoint a freelance champion for the creative industries
Secretary of state for culture media and sport Lisa Nandy said: “The UK’s creative output, our creative history and our future creative are unmatched. The sector already acts as a dynamic growth engine for our economy across the UK’s nations and regions, contributin g 2. 4 million jobs and £124 billion GVA to the economy, generating knowledge spillovers that drive innovation and activity across the economy.
“The government sees the high-growth value of the creative industries now and for the decades to come. We are entering a new world where data, content and creative services and experiences are the fastest growing areas of consumption, offering new opportunities for growth.”
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Caroline Norbury OBE, chief executive of Creative UK, said: “We warmly welcome the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan: a clear signal that creativity is central to the UK’s industrial strategy and long-term growth ambitions.
“The recognition of the creative industries as one of eight high-potential growth sectors is a landmark moment. This plan reflects the economic and cultural power of the sector – and the vital role we play in driving innovation, exports and opportunity across all regions of the UK.
“We welcome the plan’s focus on access to finance, R&D and innovation, skills, trade, place and IP, which are all key enablers for scaling creative businesses. The emphasis on leveraging the British Business Bank and extending the reach of expert intermediaries demonstrates a maturing understanding of what the sector needs to thrive.
“We are also pleased to see the appointment of a Freelance Champion – a significant step forward for a workforce that is dynamic but too often precarious. Creative UK has consistently called for more tailored support for freelancers, and this commitment has the potential to deliver meaningful change.
“Delivery will now be key. It will require genuine coordination across departments and agencies, and close partnership with regional and local leaders – such as combined authorities – to ensure that support reaches the full breadth of the sector.
“We stand ready to play our part in turning this shared vision into reality, ensuring tangible benefits reach the freelancers, microbusinesses, and cultural institutions who are the bedrock of our success.
“As the global race to lead in creativity and innovation accelerates, the message from the UK must be clear: we are open for creative business.”
