Fostering Creativity: Expanding the Creative Sectors Throughout Great Britain

Fostering Creativity: Expanding the Creative Sectors Throughout Great Britain

The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Cipec) has released a series of research findings and policy recommendations aimed at levelling up and supporting growth in the UK's creative industries. These recommendations, which align with the UK Government's plans, focus on innovation, inclusivity, workforce skills, financing, and global competitiveness.

According to the research, small creative clusters outside major cities contain dynamic and resilient businesses. The importance of 'place' to creative businesses is highlighted in a study published by the PEC. The policy briefing, set out by the researchers at CREATe, proposes areas for possible policy action in the Skills, Jobs, and Education sector.

One of Britain's leading creative export sectors is the UK television production sector. The creative sector is considered crucial for 'levelling up' and local growth agendas. In 2019, the creative industries contributed almost £116 billion in GVA.

Eliza Easton, the Founder of Erskine Analysis and previously Deputy Director at the Creative PEC, and Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, the Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries and Director of Creative PEC, have played significant roles in this research.

The policy brief is based on a PEC Discussion Paper about creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns. It outlines three ways to support growth in the creative industries: accelerate innovation-led growth, secure growth finance, and build a skilled and diverse workforce.

To accelerate innovation-led growth, the policy recommends increasing business investment from £17 billion to £31 billion by 2035, with a focus on fostering innovation in high-potential subsectors like film, TV, video games, music, and advertising.

Securing growth finance for creative businesses is another key recommendation. This includes targeted funding packages like the £30 million Music Growth Package to support talent development, live music, and international opportunities.

The policy also emphasises the need to enhance creative education and workforce development. This addresses persistent skills gaps and regional equity challenges by implementing future-facing, industry-aligned curricula that meet evolving digital and entrepreneurial skill demands.

Strengthening support for creative freelancers is another important aspect of the policy. This includes appointing a Creative Freelance Champion role to conduct structured inquiries into systemic barriers faced by freelancers and recommend targeted government policies.

The policy also recommends expanding trade and exports by supporting the global leadership and market growth potential of UK creative sectors. Additionally, it emphasises the need to enhance access and infrastructure, especially outside major cities, by removing systemic barriers, providing affordable and flexible spaces for exhibitions and studios, and strengthening regional networks to foster sustainable collaboration.

These recommendations form a comprehensive strategy outlined in the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Vision to boost innovation, inclusivity, workforce skills, financing, and global competitiveness across the creative industries by 2035. The policy focus spans investment, education, workforce support, infrastructure, and trade to drive inclusive economic growth and level up opportunities across UK regions.

It's worth noting that the growth rate of the creative industries was four times faster than the UK economy as a whole in 2019, underscoring the sector's significant potential for economic growth. Claudia Burger, the Policy Insights Manager, oversees the policy briefing's development and implementation.

In conclusion, the Cipec's research and policy recommendations provide a roadmap for the UK Government to support and grow the creative industries, ensuring they continue to drive economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.

1. The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Cipec) has proposed policy actions in the Skills, Jobs, and Education sector, as highlighted in a policy briefing set out by researchers at CREATe.
2. To accelerate innovation-led growth, the policy recommends increasing business investment in high-potential subsectors like film, TV, video games, music, and advertising.
3. Securing growth finance for creative businesses is another key recommendation, which includes targeted funding packages for talent development, live music, and international opportunities.
4. The policy also emphasises the need to enhance creative education and workforce development to address persistent skills gaps and regional equity challenges.
5. Strengthening support for creative freelancers is another important aspect of the policy, including the appointment of a Creative Freelance Champion role.
6. The report also recommends expanding trade and exports, supporting the global leadership and market growth potential of UK creative sectors.
7. The growth rate of the creative industries was four times faster than the UK economy as a whole in 2019, underscoring the sector's significant potential for economic growth.
8. The policy focus spans investment, education, workforce support, infrastructure, and trade to drive inclusive economic growth and level up opportunities across UK regions.
9. According to the research, the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Vision aims to boost innovation, inclusivity, workforce skills, financing, and global competitiveness across the creative industries by 2035.
10. The Cipec's research and policy recommendations provide a roadmap for the UK Government to support and grow the creative industries, ensuring they continue to drive economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.

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