From games studios to filmakers - Creative England reveals 50 most 'outstanding' companies

Now in its second year, the research sees the creative body celebrate the top 50 emerging talents and established businesses which contribute to the country's creative economy.

New entries from games studios, documentary makers and app developers feature heavily this year, showing a shift from traditional arts toward cross-sector creativity.

Nine Lives Media, which works with Channel 4's Dispatches and makes content for the BBC and ITV, made it on to the index, as did mobile app studio Citrus Suite - which worked with Disney on a digital wellbeing project.

E-learning firm MakerClub also secured a spot on the list. The company is developing the world's first e-learning platform for 3D printing and the internet of things which can be used to engage kids in the classroom.

On top of revealing the top 50 firms, the Telegraph-supported study also asked a panel of judges to cherry pick 10 of the most inspirational businesses from the final 50 to be part of the group's Future Leaders list. Those chosen had to demonstrate "exceptional growth and creative flair" and the "ability to turn creative ideas into commercial success."

This year's judges included MediaCom UK chairwoman Karen Blackett, the Telegraph's Rebecca Burn-Callander and Steve Hatch, Facebook's regional director for the UK and Ireland.

Among those chosen were: Andrew Haigh, executive producer on HBO's Looking, wearable tech firm Braci and games development studio Lockwood publishing - which was founded in 2009 to focus on content production and publishing for the Sony Playsation.

The report outlined that the creative sector in England brings £76.9bn to the economy, and has noted a year-on-year growth of six per cent.

Commenting on the findings, Creative England's chief executive Caroline Norbury said that the industry had "demonstrated astounding resilience in the face of wider economic shocks."

"In last year’s inaugural CE50 report we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the creative and entrepreneurial brilliance of England. Looking back at some of the individuals and businesses featured, there’s been some extraordinary successes in just the last twelve months," sha added.

The report coincides with the launch of the UK government's Creative Entrepreneurs initiative, a scheme will aim to provide a central gathering place for the range of support and resources people need to start creative businesses.

Prime minister David Cameron said he wanted to capitalise on the growth the sector is currently experiencing.

"Britain has huge creative clout around the world. From Asia to America, they’re dancing to our music, watching our films and wearing our designers’ latest creations," he said.

"I want us to build on that. And that means backing the best entrepreneurship in the sector, providing a focal point for the start-up support and resources creative people need," he said.