West Yorkshire’s creative sector creates thousands of new jobs amid investment

West Yorkshire’s creative and cultural industries have seen a rapid growth over the last 12 months, with more jobs in the sector being created thanks to the Mayor’s commitment to deliver a Creative New Deal.

Almost 48,000 creative, cultural and sport roles were advertised in the region during the 12 months up to June 2023, a 17 per cent rise on the previous year and almost three times greater than the national annual increase of six percent.

And West Yorkshire’s creative industries are set to benefit from further investment, with the Mayor set to announce a new £1.7m package to help boost the sector later today.

The ‘You Can Make it Here’ support package will support people into the region’s growing creative industries, upskilling them through a bespoke range of initiatives, including training accelerators and mentorships.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, commented: “Our creative industries are booming with thousands of job opportunities for people across the region and today’s investment will give everyone a chance to get the skills they need to do a well paid job that they love.

“The support we’re providing is key to creating a greater, more diverse pool of talent and opportunities to help drive further growth and innovation throughout the sector. It’s going to help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that will make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities and beyond.”

The £1.7m investment will further support the Mayor’s ambition to increase economic benefits for the region through culture, helping to boost recovery for creative industry businesses and freelancers, as well as tackling the lack of diversity within the sector.

One of the schemes will be an extension of support for the Mayor’s Screen Diversity programme. Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, it aims to increase opportunities in the screen industries by providing training and work placements for young people in under-represented groups. Of the last cohort, 43 per cent identified as disabled and 38 per cent were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Caroline Cooper Charles, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, added: “It has been amazing to work with the Combined Authority to deliver the incredible Mayor’s Screen Diversity programme and we can’t wait to welcome our new cohort next month.

“The screen sector is thriving in Yorkshire with a 98 per cent increase in people working in film and television in the region between 2017 and 2021. This programme has been absolutely critical in helping people from all 5 West Yorkshire districts access these burgeoning opportunities.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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