Games Workshop co-founder and former HarperCollins board member join the board of Creative England

“It’s fantastic to have both Belinda and Ian on board to help us champion the UK’s creative businesses. With Ian’s gaming industry prowess and Belinda’s innovative publishing background I know that they will have unique and invaluable insights into the industry that will help us to support more businesses and continue to make the creative industries in the UK a force to be reckoned with,” said chief executive of Creative England, Caroline Norbury.

Livingstone added: “The video games industry was built on two core strengths of the UK – creativity and high technology. I am very fortunate to have made a career out of my passion for games, and I am delighted to be bringing my industry experience to the Creative England board.

“There is incredibly creative talent in this country that needs the right kind of backing to scale valuable IP to global markets. It is important that the industry is supported to ensure the UK maintains its rightful place as a global leader in games production. I look forward to working with Creative England to help make this happen.”

Budge, a former board member of HarperCollins, brings with her 25 years’ worth of experience in the publishing industry, founding a creative consultancy in 2012.

Of the appointment she commented: “I believe in our ability to create change in the world around us and that this creative capacity lies at the heart of innovation. Creative England is a visionary organisation which both drives essential investment in creative talent and ideas, and encourages a vital conversation about its role in our country. I am delighted to be joining the board and the conversation.”

Livingstone’s first official engagement for Creative England will be on 7 July when he will give the keynote speech at the Microsoft-partnered Greenshoots showcase event.