UK Government’s creative industries sector plan
Contributing 2.4 million jobs and £124 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA), the UK’s creative industries are a dynamic growth engine for the economy. From architecture to advertising, fashion to film, and games to galleries, the creative industry is one of the most valuable national assets.
Recently announced by the UK Government, the Creative Industries Sector Vision sets out a clear plan to build on this success, strengthening the UK’s global influence, boosting innovation, and expanding access to creative careers by 2035.
2035 Vision
By 2035, the UK aims to become the world’s number one destination for investment in creativity and innovation. This ambition includes increasing business investment in the creative industries from £17 billion to £31 billion, maintaining leadership in the face of international competition, and driving growth across the economy for both workers and businesses.
The Sector Plan outlines four key transformation goals:
- Accelerate innovation-led growth
- Secure growth finance
- Build a skilled and diverse workforce
- Increase trade and exports
The strategy also places emphasis on high-potential sub-sectors. For example, film and TV continue to attract multi-billion pound investment and are underpinned by global leadership in visual effects and virtual production. In music and performing and visual arts, the UK holds the third-largest music market and second-largest art market globally, whilst also sustaining a world-class theatre sector.
Similarly, the video games industry is thriving through a growing network of nimble, innovative studios, such as Rockstar North (Grand Theft Auto), Creative Assembly (Total War and Alien: Isolation) and Playground Games (Forza Horizon).
Meanwhile, the advertising and marketing sector is forecast to increase internet advertising revenue from £32 billion in 2024 to £44 billion by 2028, fuelled by its strong digital capabilities.
Strategic investments: backing innovation, growth and talent
To drive the vision forward, over £380 million in public investments has been confirmed across a range of programmes.
A £100 million commitment for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support a new wave of R&D-focused creative clusters, bringing together universities and small businesses to accelerate innovation across sub-sectors. This strategy also includes a £75 million Screen Growth Package and a £30 million Video Games Growth Package – both designed to strengthen global reach and develop next-generation IP.
Support for emerging talent is evident through a £30 million Music Growth Package, bolstered by an industry-led ticket levy to sustain grassroots venues. The £25 million Creative Futures Programme will fund five new CoSTAR labs and two public-facing showcases for technologies in CreaTech screen and games. Meanwhile, the Mayor of London has pledged £10 million in additional investment to promote the capital as a global creative supercluster.
Creativity in action
Companies like Goggleminds are using immersive technologies to build mental health tools for young people, while Beam XR is pioneering virtual production techniques that merge physical and digital environments for film and live performance and Halon Entertainment is advancing real-time visualisation in games and film, helping UK studios remain at the forefront of global innovation.
Importantly, it’s not just businesses that are benefiting. Devolved governments are playing a key role as well. Initiatives led by Creative Wales and Skills Development Scotland are strengthening regional talent pipelines by establishing local skills development clusters tailored to community needs and sector-specific demands.
What this means for you
For those commissioning creative work, investing in talent or partnering with UK businesses, the message is clear: the infrastructure, vision and support are in place for long-term value. The strategy makes the case that creativity is not simply a cultural asset – it’s a serious economic driver, equipped to fuel innovation across industries and lead the UK into its next chapter of growth.
This is a rare moment of alignment between policy and practice, ambition and infrastructure. The UK is placing creativity at the heart of its economic future and inviting others to build alongside it.
How can we help?
If you’re a creative business looking to grow, innovate or expand into new markets, we’re here to support you. Our tax specialists can help you arrange your affairs and understand what options are available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
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