UK creative sector to get a 380-million-pound boost
The investment in the sector is part of the 'Creative Industries Sector Plan' from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which sets out the government's ambitious ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the 'Plan for Change'.
The hope is the new funding will boost innovation, regional growth and investment, as the government looks to drive the UK's Creative Industries from 17 billion pounds in 2023 to 31 billion pounds by 2035 to cement the UK's position as 'a global creative superpower'.
The funding package is part of the government's wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while also generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years, including Manchester, Liverpool, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, the North East and the West of England.
This includes a mix of sector-wide initiatives to help creative businesses, including those in the fashion industry, to scale, export and future-proof their operations while maintaining their cutting-edge creative identity. UK government pledges to more than double its support for the creative industries Tolu Coker SS25 at LFW Credits: Tolu Coker
Several commitments from the government specifically for the fashion industry include continuing to invest in the British Fashion Council's NewGen programme, backing emerging UK designers with funding for London Fashion Week showcases and business mentoring, as well as providing funding for London Fashion Week itself.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will also continue to champion international trade promotion for the fashion and design sector through initiatives like guest programmes and key international trade shows.
The report also identified the fashion sector as a particular sub-sector with 'complex global supply chains vulnerable to disruption,' and the DBT states that it will deepen its understanding of supply chain vulnerabilities through a new Supply Chain Centre, which will identify strategic inputs where additional action, such as building domestic capabilities or diversifying imports, is needed to build resilience.
In response to the government's creative industries sector plan, Laura Weir, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said in an open letter: 'Fashion's inclusion in this long-term plan is a strong and welcome signal of recognition for our sector's economic, cultural and international value. The UK has long been a launchpad for some of the world's most visionary designers and creative businesses and today's announcement strengthens our ability to support that legacy for future generations.
'This is also a clear endorsement of London Fashion Week as a global platform that drives culture, creativity and commerce, and an essential part of the UK's soft power and economic story.' Aaron Esh, spring/summer 2025 at London Fashion Week Credits: ©Launchmetrics/spotlight UK looking to become a 'a global creative superpower' with fresh government funding
The fashion-specific initiatives are part of a wider suite of measures which the government says are aimed at strengthening the creative economy, including increasing support from the British Business Bank for the creative industries with debt and equity finance, creating a new working group to tackle barriers to IP-backed lending, and a plan to deliver a refreshed UK-wide 9 million pound creative careers service.
Other initiatives include increasing the number of creative trade missions and markets targeted, building on traditional markets like the EU and the US, as well as fast-growing markets such as the Asia-Pacific, and committing to making UK IP rights the best protected in the world, setting a gold enforcement standard in the UK and internationally to protect rights owned by UK businesses.
There will also be the creation of a new 10 Downing Street-led 'Global Talent Taskforce' to turbocharge the UK approach to international talent attraction. This will include making the Global Talent Visa more accessible to a broader range of design talent.
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, added: 'Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by 380 million pounds of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions on benefits and Universal Credit to get EXTRA payment before the end of the year – are you eligible?
Plus, we share the exact bank statement to look out for to see if the cash has been deposited CASH IN Millions on benefits and Universal Credit to get EXTRA payment before the end of the year – are you eligible? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS on benefits and Universal Credit will get extra payment before the end of the year. The free cash, often referred to as the benefits Christmas bonus, is paid to eligible households to help provide extra financial support over the holiday period. 1 The DWP pays a Christmas bonus to claimants at the end of every year Credit: Getty The bonus was first introduced in 1972 and hasn't risen in value since then. If the payment had risen in line with inflation it would now be worth £118.69, which would be enough to cover the cost of a Christmas shop for the family. However, £10 these days doesn't stretch very far, and would likely only cover the cost of a few items in a grocery store. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the figure has fallen so far behind inflation that it's "now the kind of sum that the kids of better off families might find tucked into a Christmas card". "If you're facing Christmas on a tight budget, the earlier you can start preparing for it, the better." She added: "Some people will buy presents throughout the year, whereas others will put something aside each month into an easy access savings account." "It's not always easy to free up the cash, but you'll be glad you managed it when you're faced with the eye-watering cost of Christmas." Meanwhile, Evan John, Policy Advisor at the national disability charity Sense, said the bonus is "another example of successive governments demonstrating they don't really understand the huge extra costs of being disabled". He added: "The cost of living has spiralled for disabled people over recent years. "Many have no choice but to use extra energy to power feeding machines or hoists - and energy costs have risen in recent years, alongside the ever-increasing prices of specialist foods and therapies." Cost of Living payment updates — Thousands have just days to claim free £300 DWP cash A Government spokesperson said: "This Government is determined to change people's lives for the better, helping them out of poverty so they do not need to rely on crisis support. 'That's why we are fixing the broken welfare system we inherited, so it genuinely supports those who can work into employment while ensuring there is always a safety net for the most vulnerable. 'We have also raised the national living wage, increased benefits, and given additional help to the poorest households as part of our Plan for Change.' How do I claim the DWP Christmas bonus? Anyone who is eligible to claim the bonus does not need to apply and will be paid automatically. If you are not sure if you have received the payment before, check on your bank statements for a code which says "DWP XB". To get the money you usually need to be claiming benefits before the qualifying week, which is typically the first week of December. The full list of benefits which make you eligible for the bonus include: Adult Disability Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment Attendance Allowance Carer's Allowance Carer Support Payment Child Disability Payment Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes) Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim) Disability Living Allowance Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers) Mobility Supplement Pension Age Disability Payment Pension Credit - the guarantee element Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA) Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected) State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit) Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes) War Disablement Pension at State Pension age War Widow's Pension Widowed Mother's Allowance Widowed Parent's Allowance Widow's Pension If you think that you qualify but don't receive the payment automatically you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre. Support if you are struggling If you are struggling there are ways to get financial support. For example, cash-strapped families can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. For example, households in North Northamptonshire can apply for supermarket vouchers worth up to £320. Elsewhere, households in Wealden District Council can apply for free cash worth £200.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Trade tariffs still a 'significant barrier' to salmon sector
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott hailed that as a 'remarkable success' for the industry. But he also warned that trade tariffs cost the sector an estimated £30 million a year. Mr Scott said: 'Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.' The latest trade figures come as Scottish salmon farmers prepare to tap into the lucrative Indian market following the free trade agreement negotiated by the UK Government. READ MORE: In the first six months of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528 million, putting the UK's largest food export on track for a record-breaking year. France was the top overseas market for Scottish salmon, making up nearly half (45%) of exports in the year to June. Despite this sales to the European Union dipped by 7% over the 12 months, to stand at £423 million. Sales to non-EU destinations rose 106% over the year to £518 million. Mr Scott said: 'These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish. 'With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust.' Tavish Scott (Image: Duncan McGlynn) Salmon Scotland's analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, show exports to the US up 110% to £190 million, with sales to China rising 75% to £74 million. Salmon farming in Scotland employs 2,500 people directly, the industry body said, with a further 10,000 jobs linked to the sector. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the 'exceptional performance' in the latest export figures 'reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets'. She added: 'Salmon farming is vital to our rural economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs across coastal and island communities. The sector's success is a testament to the hard work and innovation of producers who are committed to growth. 'We continue to work alongside the salmon sector to help maintain and expand export opportunities abroad, while also strengthening its reputation at home.' Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said salmon is 'one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland's world-class produce'. She added: 'These new figures underline its global reputation for unrivalled quality. 'The UK Government's Brand Scotland initiative is laser-focused on selling the very best of Scotland to the world. 'Scottish salmon, our support for the sector and the trade deals we are securing, are an important part of our Plan for Change to drive economic growth and put more money in people's pockets right across the UK.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Council tax bills could be about to change - and you would pay less each month
At present, council tax bills are normally spread over ten months every year - but a new shake-up wants to make 12 months the default Council tax bills will be spread out over 12 months by default under Government proposals that are currently being discussed. It means you would pay less each month, although your overall council tax bill for the year would remain the same. At present, council tax bills are normally spread over ten months from April to January every year. This is because when you pay in ten instalments, you don't pay a council tax bill in February and March. You can request your payments be split over 12 months but the proposals, which were first announced in June, want to make this the default. The average band D household would pay approximately £38 less each month if they paid over 12 months, according to figures from the the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The average council tax bill for a band D property is currently £2,280. You will still be able to request to pay your council tax bill over ten months if you want to. The consultation is also proposing slowing down the debt collection process for when someone has missed a council tax payment. If you miss just one council tax payment, you can be asked to pay the rest of your yearly bill upfront. Councils can then send in bailiffs if you continue to not pay, which results in added legal costs being added to your bill. The consultation is looking at capping additional costs and ensuring households are given information about what help they could be entitled to, if they are struggling to pay. It will also become easier to challenge your council tax band, if you believe you may be paying too much. There are also proposals to change the name of the "severe mental impairment" discount to "significant cognitive impairment" discount. The consultation on these changes to the council tax system is due to end on September 12, with any changes set to be confirmed in autumn. Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said: 'As part of our Plan for Change, we're putting working people first. 'We are listening and taking action to make council tax fairer, more transparent and easier to manage. Under our plans, local government will be there to support, and not to punish, people who fall behind.' Cut your council tax bill Check if you're eligible for some sort of council tax discount. For example, your bill is reduced by 25% if you live alone, or if you are classed as severely mentally impaired, or you claim benefits, you may be entitled to 100% off your bill. If you're in too high of a council tax band, you may be able to challenge this and get thousands of pounds back, plus lower bills going forward. But do your research first, as if you're in too low of a council tax band, your future bills will go up.
