The creative industries – from film, to fashion, to creative technology – are rightly lauded as a thriving part of the UK economy, contributing £101.5bn GVA and employing more than 2 million people. However, the sector faces significant challenges including those around business size, skills and diversity.
Despite a recent Sector Deal, the economic significance of the creative industries is still underappreciated in the House of Commons – since the last election the sector was mentioned just 305 times. This is surprisingly low when compared to the smaller, automotive industry, say, which was mentioned 533 times. That is why it is so vital that political parties consider the creative industries and their needs in their political manifestos.
Here we have put together four evidence-led policy recommendations that we think political parties of all colours should adopt to support this vital part of the economy, and which would help to address the greatest economic issue of our time, namely the nation’s sluggish productivity.
This briefing should not be read as a “manifesto for the creative industries”, covering all areas where policy change is needed, but rather four specific areas where the evidence strongly points to action that would help to grow the sector.
Published 8th November 2019
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