Britain’s latest Culture Secretary has set out her vision to unlock growth from within the country’s £170 billion culture, media and sport sectors.
Lisa Nandy was speaking at a summit in Manchester attended by together more than 150 organisations including Warner Bros, Amazon, BBC, Paramount, Premier League, Sky, Channel 4, Royal Shakespeare Company in Manchester.
The event at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is being positioned as a statement of intent by the government to widen opportunities outside of London and build partnerships with businesses.
“Through our investment in grassroots sport and our determination that the legacy of the Paris Olympics and Euro 2024 is measured not just in trophies but in choices and chances for every child wherever they live and whatever their background,” she said.
“Through our partnerships with our Mayors, Councils, Businesses and Charities to put rocket boosters under our growing industries – film and theatre, TV, fashion, video games, heritage and tourism – to take the brakes off the economy, create opportunity for every child and export our incredible talent to the world.”
The speech was welcomed by Chris Bird, Managing Director Prime Video UK, which has developed productions that include The Rig and Fear in Scotland, to Mammals in Cornwall and multiple productions in the North West of the UK.
“The UK is a creative industries powerhouse with a rightly deserved reputation for producing some of the world’s greatest artists, authors, producers and technicians. Across TV, film, books, music, sport and more, Amazon has invested more than £4 billion in the Creative Industries across the UK since 2010 and we welcome the Government’s ambitions for continued growth in the sector.”
Last week Amazon announced the acquisition of the iconic Bray Studio
Ms Nandy has declared an end to “politically-driven culture wars” committed to the television licence fee for the remainder of the current Charter period until 2027.
