Creative industries outline ambitious vision and strategy for 2020 with Create UK launch
Building on education and skills, better access to finance and ensuring an intellectual property framework are top of the agenda for the Creative Industries Council's (CIC) vision and strategy for the UK creative industries for 2020.
Launched last night (Wednesday 2 July) at an event attended by key industry and government figures including Vince Cable, Secretary of State for business, innovation and skills, and Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for culture, media and sport, the Create UK strategy outlines a plan that will see the Government work together with creative industries to maintain and strengthen the UK's position.
Generating more than £71bn in 2012 and supporting 1.71m jobs, the creative industries contributions to the UK economy were highlighted by both Cable and Javid who spoke at last night's launch event at Facebook's London office.
Cable said: "British designers, musicians and film markers have put the UK on the world map with their creative talent. They have also played a bit part in driving our economic recovery...we want this sector to continue to thrive so it's important that government and industry keep working together to foster the right environment for creative industries to succeed and inspire young people to follow in the footsteps of the many creative heavyweights that Britain has produced."
The strategy developed for, and by, the industry identifies five priority areas fundamental to the future success of the sector - education and skills; access to finance; infrastructure; intellectual property and international (exports and inward investment).
Cable added: "Create UK embodies this partnership and builds on UKTI's international creative industry strategy to ensure that British businesses can stay ahead of their rivals around the world and keep supporting growth in our economy."
Javid echoed Cable's sentiments describing the UK's creative industries as a "veritable powerhouse" that continues to "outperform other industries" praising the video games, fashion, architecture and film industries highlighting Disney and Lucas Films decision to shoot Star Wars Episode VII in the UK and confirming that Harry Potter spin off 'Fantastic beasts and where to find them' will also be filmed in the UK.
Facebook vice president EMEA and co-chair of the CIC, Nicola Mendelsohn, commented: "The Create UK campaign sees the industry and government come together to celebrate the best of the UK creative industries. The sector plays a significant role in the economy and how the UK is viewed on the global stage but we are trading in an increasingly competitive marketplace and cannot take this position for granted.
"Together we need to continue this momentum and ensure we are inspiring and equipping the next generation of talent; helping creative business to start up and grow; and maintaining the UK's international competitiveness."
Also unveiled at the event was the creative campaign for the Create UK strategy designed by Karmarama.