Jessica O'ConnorRegions across the UK are being encouraged to bid for a new wave of funding aimed at creating jobs, boosting skills and supporting long-term employment growth in the creative industries.
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray used a visit to Liverpool to promote the next round of the Creative Clusters programme, part of a wider Government commitment of at least £500m for research, development and innovation in the sector.
The programme is designed to build regional creative hubs that link businesses with universities, support training, and generate high-quality employment.
Liverpool City Region has already benefited, securing nearly £7m in 2024 as the UK’s leading music innovation and technology cluster.
The funding has supported collaboration between creative businesses and higher education institutions, helping to grow jobs, develop new skills and strengthen career pathways in music and related digital industries.
Ministers are now inviting regions to apply for a further £27m to replicate this model elsewhere.
Successful bids are expected to create training opportunities, support workforce development and stimulate employment across sectors such as film, television, video games, fashion and music.
Speaking during his visit, Murray said: “We’ve seen the transformative impact that government investment has had on Liverpool City Region’s music industry, helping innovative projects like MusicFutures flourish.
“In our Industrial Strategy, we committed to driving growth and building on the regional clusters of creativity that exist across the UK.
“I am pleased to launch the search for the next hotbeds of creative excellence to support.
“As part of a record settlement of research and development funding over the next three years and beyond, we are going to help artists, entrepreneurs and businesses up and down the country innovate with new technologies, attract investment and nurture talent.”
The funding sits within a broader package that includes £369m allocated to creative industries by UK Research and Innovation over the Spending Review period, with £100m targeted at innovative companies, alongside additional investment in creative technology, digital infrastructure and research.
Thousands of creative businesses are expected to benefit, supported by clearer guidance on research and development tax relief and new initiatives to help firms grow, export and invest.
Alongside business growth, the programmes aim to strengthen employment prospects by improving access to skills, training and career development in regional creative economies.
