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CBI speaks up for creatives

THE CBI has called on the Government to deliver a clear strategy to ensure the UK’s creative industries can flourish and help lead the economic recovery.

Launching its new report, _Creating growth: A blueprint for the creative industries,_the UK’s leading business group stressed the vital economic contribution of creative industries, including TV, film, art, fashion, media and design.

It is estimated that these industries contribute between 6 and 8% of GDP, account for £16bn of overseas trade each year and employ nearly two million people.

The sector also significantly enhances the UK’s cultural reputation globally, underlining the vitality of the UK economy.

The CBI believes the UK’s creative sector, which is the biggest in Europe, can play a crucial role in rebalancing the economy and delivering high growth. For that to happen, the business group says the Government must deliver the right conditions for the sector to thrive and create new jobs.

Speaking at a launch event in London yesterday, CBI President Helen Alexander, said: “Some of the biggest and most successful companies in the creative world are British-based, British-born or British-bred, including fashion designers, publishers, computer games makers and blockbuster film studios.

“Our creative industries are critical for rebalancing the economy, reducing the deficit and delivering growth, but the sector is in the middle of structural change. The spread of digital technology and the growth of the online environment mean business models are shifting fast.

“Making sure our creative industries remain world leaders will require action from the Government to deliver the right business environment for the sector to flourish.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .