Creative Industries

By 2035 the UK’s position as a global creative superpower will be enhanced as the premier destination worldwide for investment in creativity and innovation.

The UK's creative industries contributed £146 billion to the economy in 2024 and employed 2.4 million people in 2024/25 — and they are growing. The sector grew by 3.1% in Q1 (Jan to Mar) 2026, outpacing the wider UK economy. From West Yorkshire's production campuses to Bedfordshire's world-class studio developments, British creativity is attracting record investment and creating jobs in every part of the country.

The Creative Industries Sector Plan sets out a 10-year strategy to cement the UK's position as a global creative powerhouse by 2035. Developed in close partnership with industry through an advisory taskforce, the plan will significantly increase business investment, address barriers to growth, and provide dedicated support for high-potential subsectors including film and TV, games and music.

What this means in practice:

• Marlow Studios in Buckinghamshire — one of the largest investments in the UK creative sector in recent decades — has secured planning approval and will create up to 4,000 jobs.
• Universal United Kingdom Resort confirmed, backed by £1.3 billion of government infrastructure investment to unlock £5 billion from Comcast NBCUniversal, creating 28,000 jobs and delivering nearly £50 billion for the UK economy.
• Production Park in West Yorkshire has received approval to add over 70,000 sq ft of new commercial space, directly supporting up to 200 high-quality jobs and attracting larger stage and screen productions.
• £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund empowering Mayors across Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, the North East, West of England, West Midlands and West Yorkshire to design targeted support for creative businesses and freelancers.
• £30 million Games Package to grow the UK games industry, including £500,000 already delivered for the London Games Festival, with the aim of doubling its annual private investment deals to £30 million.

These are not one-off decisions. They are part of a long-term plan — giving creative businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow.

A mix of support for the sector

Targeted sector funding — Direct investment to support content creation and export growth across three high-potential subsectors: film and TV, games and music. This includes three-year growth packages of £75 million for screen, £30 million for video games and £30 million for music.

Robert Laycock CEO Marlow Studios

"Our creative industries are not just one of this country's greatest exports – they shape global culture and how billions of people around the world see the UK.

The Government's industrial strategy is crucial for Marlow Studios. Championing the creative industries as a priority sector is how we build the world-class infrastructure to secure the UK’s global creative leadership for generations to come."

Sector Plan

A targeted mix of support for the sector