The United Kingdom’s creative industries have reached a new record high, contributing £76.9 billion to the UK economy in 2013, according to figures published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
This represented a 9.9% increase from 2012, when the sector was valued at £70 billion. The growth rate is nearly three times faster than the wider UK economy, highlighting the vital role that creative industries play in Britain’s global competitiveness.
What Are the Creative Industries?
The DCMS defines creative industries as sectors that rely on individual creativity, skill, and talent while also having the potential for wealth and job creation through intellectual property.
These industries include:
-
Advertising and marketing
-
Architecture
-
Crafts
-
Design (product, graphic, and fashion)
-
Film, TV, video, radio, and photography
-
IT, software, and computer services
-
Publishing
-
Museums, galleries, and libraries
-
Music, performing, and visual arts
Together, they account for 1.71 million jobs in the UK and continue to grow year after year.
(Source: Creative Industries Council)
Employment Growth Across the Sector
The figures show impressive gains in employment across most creative sub-sectors.
| Sector | 2011 Jobs | 2013 Jobs | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising & Marketing | 468,000 | 482,000 | +3.2% |
| Architecture | 121,000 | 136,000 | +12.3% |
| Crafts | 104,000 | 96,000 | -8.5% |
| Design (Product, Graphic & Fashion) | 151,000 | 177,000 | +17.7% |
| Film, TV, Video, Radio & Photography | 232,000 | 259,000 | +11.8% |
| IT, Software & Computer Services | 709,000 | 825,000 | +16.4% |
| Publishing | 236,000 | 231,000 | -2.1% |
| Museums, Galleries & Libraries | 113,000 | 110,000 | -2.5% |
| Music, Performing & Visual Arts | 274,000 | 300,000 | +9.2% |
| Total | 2,407,000 | 2,616,000 | +8.7% |
IT, Software, and Design Lead the Way
The IT, software, and computer services subsector alone contributed £35.1 billion to the UK economy in 2013 — almost half of the sector’s total value.
Design industries grew by nearly 18%, while architecture and film/TV also posted double-digit growth.
While some sectors, such as publishing, museums, and crafts, saw slight declines, the strong performance of digital and design-oriented industries more than offset these weaknesses.
Cultural Impact and Exports
Britain’s creative industries are not just important economically but also culturally. Exports in music, film, and television continue to enhance the UK’s global reputation, attracting interest in British products, tourism, and education.
For example:
-
The UK music industry exported over £2.5 billion worth of goods and services in 2013.
-
British film and TV franchises like Harry Potter, James Bond, and BBC productions remain globally influential.
-
The fashion sector strengthens London’s status as one of the world’s top fashion capitals.
(Source: British Council – Creative Economy)
Government and Industry Reactions
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid praised the figures:
“The UK’s creative industries are recognised as world leaders around the globe and today’s figures show that they continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Caroline Norbury, CEO of Creative England, echoed the sentiment:
“These figures show unequivocally that the UK’s creative industries are growing faster than any other major industrial sector.”
Why the UK Leads in Creativity
The UK is uniquely positioned to lead the creative economy due to:
-
World-class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics foster innovation.
-
A diverse talent pool with global reach.
-
Strong intellectual property laws protect creators and innovators.
-
Government-backed initiatives such as for film, gaming, and theatre production.
This ecosystem has created a thriving environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and international investors.
Opportunities for Businesses and Investors
For entrepreneurs, the UK’s creative economy presents opportunities across multiple areas:
-
Tech startups: Growing demand for AI, gaming, and app development.
-
Design and branding: UK design firms are among the most respected globally.
-
Media and production: Britain is a global hub for film, music, and broadcasting.
-
Cultural exports: From fashion to publishing, British creativity continues to dominate international markets.
For international investors, entering the UK market now means tapping into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.
Expanding Your Business in the UK
If you’re looking to join the UK’s creative economy, there are several ways to establish a presence:
At Open a European Company, we provide expert guidance on compliance, structure, and tax planning so you can focus on growing your business.
Conclusion
The UK’s creative industries are a shining example of resilience and growth. With record-breaking contributions to the economy, expanding job creation, and cultural influence that stretches worldwide, the sector is a cornerstone of Britain’s economic and cultural identity.
For businesses and investors, this presents an unparalleled opportunity. Whether in IT, design, or media, the UK creative economy offers a platform for global success.
