BBC, BSkyB and Warner Bros to sit on government’s Creative Industries Board
The government has unveiled a new Creative Industries Board in an attempt to promote growth in the creative industries, with council members to include the BBC, BSkyB and Warner Bros.
Revealed as part of the government’s Plan for Growth strategy alongside the budget, the board will aim to encourage investment while examining issues such as skills, export markets, regulation, intellectual property and infrastructure.
The board is the result of a round table which took place last week with culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, creative industries minister Ed Vaizey and business secretary Vince Cable.
Council members are to be drawn from the fashion, gaming, technology and music sectors.
Vaizey (pictured) said “Establishing a Creative Industries Council will give the sector the voice it deserves. The Council will provide a clear route for the sector to engage with government, with the financial community and coordinate action on barriers to growth.”
The Plan for Growth document also outlines the government’s wishes for BBC Worldwide to act as a “source of finance and distribution expertise” for the UK’s creative industries
It said: “The government recognises BBC Worldwide’s strong contribution to UK creative exports through the provision of financial support, development assistance and a global distribution platform.”
“The government would welcome further action by the BBC to build on this contribution to growth in the sector.”