Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive government funding to help them grow as part of a major boost to the economy – marking the first step of the Government’s Sector Plan for the creative industries
In a significant step towards bolstering the UK’s economy, the government has unveiled a £60 million funding package aimed at supporting creative businesses and projects across the nation. The move is part of the first phase of the government’s Sector Plan for the creative industries, which seeks to harness the full potential of the sector to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase investment.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy gathered more than 250 creative businesses and cultural leaders at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead for a summit on the future of the sector. This summit marks the beginning of the government’s plan to work in close collaboration with the creative industry to unlock its growth potential. The funding will target a diverse range of sectors, from start-up video game studios and grassroots music venues to expanding the UK’s music and film exports, aiming to spark innovation and investment in communities nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Nandy emphasized the importance of the creative industries in the government’s broader economic strategy. “Growth is the number one mission of the Government’s Plan for Change,” she said. “By investing in the creative sector, we can help put more money in people’s pockets, create jobs, and drive economic growth, both domestically and internationally. This is just the beginning, and the creative industries will play a key role in delivering on our mission.”
The £60 million funding package represents the first step in the government’s wider efforts to foster growth in the creative sector, which includes a detailed plan for future investments and strategies. It focuses on addressing the barriers currently hindering growth, such as access to finance and skills development, and lays the groundwork for the full Creative Industries Sector Plan, which will be unveiled in the spring.
The Culture Secretary also highlighted key regions across the UK where the government will focus its efforts to stimulate growth in the creative sector. These regions include the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Greater London, the West of England, South Wales, Glasgow, the Edinburgh-Dundee corridor, and Belfast. The government will further support these areas through additional funding, which will be determined as part of the upcoming Spending Review. This targeted approach aims to maximize the strengths of these regions and create a business-friendly environment that encourages investment in creative industries for years to come.
One of the key initiatives to be rolled out as part of the plan is the introduction of shorter apprenticeships starting in August 2025. This change is aimed at addressing the unique needs of the creative industries, providing a more flexible approach to skills development in a rapidly evolving sector. The government will continue to work closely with industry leaders, including through a Creative Industries Taskforce led by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette, to ensure the sector plan is designed in collaboration with those who know it best.
Nandy praised the UK’s creative industries for their global impact, pointing out their ability to drive cultural exchange and economic growth. “From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK,” she said. “Our £60 million funding boost will help turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and spreading opportunity across the country.”
In line with this vision, the government is committed to creating the most attractive business environment for creative industries. As part of this effort, the British Business Bank, which has already provided £17.4 billion in finance to over 64,000 smaller businesses, will increase its support to help creative businesses access the funding they need to expand.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves echoed the government’s commitment to economic growth, stating, “Our number one mission is to grow the economy, and our creative industries are a British success story with a big part to play. Building on our plans to boost our AI sector, this is another step as we go further and faster to deliver growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”
The summit also saw the announcement of a new Soft Power Council, led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The council will act as an advisory body, bringing together experts in soft power and foreign policy to help the UK leverage its global influence, particularly through the creative industries, to drive investment and economic growth at home. Members of the council include former rower and chair of UK Sport Katherine Grainger, former athlete and television presenter Baroness Grey-Thompson, and V&A director Tristram Hunt.
Lammy emphasized the role of soft power in enhancing the UK’s global standing, saying, “Soft power is fundamental to the UK’s impact and reputation around the world. Harnessing it effectively can help build relationships, enhance our security, and drive economic growth. The Soft Power Council will channel British expertise to reinvigorate our international partnerships and forge new ones.”
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