Creative England gets financial boost

While the amount allocated to Creative England has not been disclosed, sources within the organisation are hopeful the sum will be similar to the £4.5m it was pledged in 2011.

Since 2011, the funds have been invested in digital content companies and SMEs. The re-up will in part go towards rolling out Creative England’s support programme more widely across England.

Creative England’s chief executive Caroline Norbury commented: “The creative industries are a key driver of economic growth but they need support and infrastructure to reach their full potential and to thrive in international markets. This funding will allow us to keep investing in creative businesses - helping to redress economic imbalance and bringing innovation and new energy to cities across England.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “The Regional Growth Fund is exactly what this country needs to go for growth and I’m delighted to have backed the Creative England bid – it will support this growing sector to invest in projects across the country that have plans for the future and want to recruit local talent.”

Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey added: “Creative England is brilliant at helping SME businesses around England realise their full commercial potential and maximise the growth opportunities available to them. This new funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, together with the support offered to industry through the new tax reliefs, is an acknowledgement of the important role the creative industries have as a key player in our efforts to win the global race.”