The Government is to inject £80 million into the UK’s creative industries after a review found they could be worth £128.4 billion to the UK economy by 2025.
The review, commissioned by the government and led by ITV chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette, outlines recommendations for the development of the sector.
Sir Peter Bazalgette said: “My report recommends simple ways of maximising the potential of this crucial sector which I’d like to see become part of the government’s developing Industrial Strategy. I urge government to ensure the final strategy is based on a fundamental understanding of what these industries need to thrive.”
One such recommendation is the exploitation of intellectual property – Sir Peter ran Endemol in the UK as Big Brother first made is mark – but the report warns Brexit may mean losing some European protection.
The review’s recommendations will now be considered by Government as part of its Industrial Strategy and used to inform work towards a sector deal in the coming months. Its already announced the opening of the £80 million Creative Industries Clusters Programme competition, led by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
“The UK’s booming Creative Industries contribute nearly £90 billion to the economy and employ more than two million people,” said business secretary Greg Clark. “The review unveiled today demonstrates our world-class talent and expertise in these areas and reflects the industry’s vision for how we build on these strengths, now and in the future skills base across the UK.”
The report was broadly welcomed by John Kampfner CEO of the Creative Industries Federation: “The Creative Careers Campaign idea included in our Blueprint for Growth submitted to government in April of this year remains a key part of the our strategy. It will be an effective tool to highlight the hidden career options within the creative industries for those with a variety of skills.
“Despite this, we must acknowledge that the sector is heavily reliant on international workers. With the end of freedom of movement on the horizon, there is a real risk of a post-Brexit creative brain drain.
Eight areas of Britain will now be able to establish creative Research and Development (R&D) Partnerships between universities and businesses. The Programme is supported by £39 million from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and matched by industry.
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