Creative UK is to hold regional summits in Bradford, Gateshead, Birmingham and Plymouth.
The “bold conversations” on creative investment will also feature live pitching from regional businesses.
Originally launched in 2022 by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK, the Creative Growth Programme is designed to support creative businesses to explore and secure commercial investment opportunities in 12 English regions.
They will take place in January and February next year, before a national summit in London.
The programme focuses on key issues, including growing and scaling successful investment models and driving forward inclusive growth for the UK, whilst showcasing a range of businesses from across the country.
“This Summit marks Creative UK’s fifth annual flagship event, and I’m excited that this edition will be a celebration of the meaningful work we deliver in regions right across England,” said Caroline Norbury OBE, Chief Executive of Creative UK.
“Creative UK is committed to doing more than just talking about the transformative power of investment in the Creative Industries, helping over 700 businesses a year with their growth plans. The Create Growth Programmes is an example of how tailored business support can be transformative, powering inclusive growth right across the nation. This Summit is all sharing success stories, setting out what good looks like – and exploring how we can keep building and growing the creative economy.”
In 2023, the GVA contribution of the Cultural and Creative Industries was almost £125bn – representing almost 6% of the economy. Jobs within the sector are currently created at 3x the UK average rate – with 1.8 million people in the industries, alongside a further 700,000 self-employed workers.
