Govt 'must support' creative sector

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has released a report, calling on the government to let the creative industries thrive.

Titled Creating growth: A blueprint for the creative industries, the report stressed the economic contribution that the industries bring to the UK.

It estimated that collectively the creative sector delivers six to eight per cent of the nation's GDP and accounts for GBP 16 billion of overseas trade each year, as well as employing two million people.

Areas that should be focused on by the government include ensuring that creative skills are being delivered through the education system, that intellectual property is protected, and that organisations have access to the capital they need to establish projects.

Helen Alexander, president of the CBI, commented: 'Our creative industries are critical for rebalancing the economy, reducing the deficit and delivering growth, but the sector is in the middle of structural change.'

She added: 'Making sure our creative industries remain world leaders will require action from the government to deliver the right business environment for the sector to flourish.'