Skip to content

Data on the Sector of Artistic Production, Entertainment, and Related Services Across the Nation

Statistics on Creative Industries compiled by PEC, along with data from other sources.

Compilation of country-wide statistics on the Creative Industries, sourced from PEC's research and...
Compilation of country-wide statistics on the Creative Industries, sourced from PEC's research and additional resources.

Revamped Text:

Bringing you the lowdown on the quintessential British industries that ignite our imagination and boost the economy! Let's dive into the vibrant world of the Creative Industries, shall we?

Back in 2001, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) coined these industries as those sparked by creativity, innovation, and the genius of individual talents, capable of generating wealth and jobs through intellectual property[2]. The creative spark for these sectors ranges from mind-blowing advertising campaigns to jaw-dropping architecture, captivating films, and popular video games[2][5].

The game changes when DCMS measures the creative intensity of an industry, which incorporates more than 30% of workforce members doing creative jobs (designers, producers, or games developers, for instance)[2]. To be part of this exciting party, sectors also need to meet other threshold criteria[3]. So, grab your popcorn and let's see which industries make the cut!

The Creative Industries dance floor sways to the rhythm of:

  • Gripping advertising and marketing stories that attract consumers
  • Epic architectural designs that enhance our skyline
  • Innovative crafts that express our artistic selves
  • Dynamic designs and designer fashion that adorn our bodies
  • Thrilling films, television, and photography spectacles that entertain us
  • Top-notch IT, software, and computer services that fuel our digital world
  • Informative publishing ventures that disseminate knowledge
  • Enthralling museums, galleries, and libraries that keep our history alive
  • Stellar music, performing, and visual arts performances that set our souls on fire[2]

Note that, while some creative jobs are in the creative industries, not all creative professions fall under this umbrella. For example, a marketing whiz (a creative job by nature) might be found in the financial services sector, not slinging cocktails in the creative industries[2]. That's why it's often more advantageous to talk about the "Creative Economy," which encompasses the entire creative industries workforce, as well as those working in creative roles across sectors[2].

Interestingly, the Scottish Government has its own approach to defining the Creative Industries, which you can explore further[4].

Now that we've laid the foundation, let's cruise through some hard numbers about the Creative Industries:

  • In 2023, these fantastic industries raked in a whopping £119.6bn in Gross Value Added (GVA), accounting for 5.2% of the UK's GVA[6]. Though they expanded more than the rest of the economy from 2010 to 2023, they still experienced a slight dip of 3.3% from 2022 to 2023[6].
  • By 2023, the creative industries had generated no less than 2.4 million jobs[7].
  • Small businesses reign in the creative sector, with 90% of creative companies being micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees)[8].
  • Creative occupations are highly enriched in the UK, with over one in eight (13.2%) UK businesses being part of the creative industries[8].
  • London is the creative capital of the UK, with 34% of creative businesses setting up shop in the city[9].

Ready for some fascinating facts about skills, jobs, and education in the Creative Industries? Let's dive right in!

  • 72% of the creative workforce boasts a degree or higher level qualification[10]. A staggering 83% of creative occupations are labeled as "higher-level occupations," including managers, professionals, and associate professionals[10].
  • In the average city, each creative job adds at least 1.96 non-tradable jobs over a 20-year period[11].
  • Almost one-third (36.2%) of the creative workforce is freelance[12].

Curious about the impact of creative education on young minds? Let's explore:

  • An astounding 93% of 16-18-year-olds confirm that studying a creative subject positively impacts their mental health and wellbeing[13].
  • Although only 17% of graduates are creative graduates, they represent an impressive 46% of graduates working in the Creative Industries[14].
  • Creative graduates earn, on average, approximately £2,300 more annually when working in the Creative Industries as opposed to outside of it[14]. Non-creative graduates rake in about £1,300 more working within this sector[14].

Last but not least, let's take a peek at the geographical distribution of the Creative Industries:

  • London represents 13.2% of creative industries employment in 2024 and 34% of businesses in 2019[9]. It contributes 12.2% of economic output (GVA) in 2022[9].
  • London and the Greater South East (which includes London, the East, and South East of England) represent 28.1% of creative industries employment in 2024 and 62% of businesses in 2019[9]. This area is home to 26% of the British population[15].
  • The North of England (North East, North West, Yorkshire, and the Humber) represents 15% of Creative Industries employment in 2024, 13% of businesses in 2019, and 9% of economic output (GVA) in 2022[9]. This region accommodates 23% of the British population[15].
  • A whopping 57% of UK createch companies are based in London[16]. Additionally, 78% of AI and Data createch businesses based in the UK are located in London[16]. In 2021, a total of 709 creative microclusters existed in the UK[17].

New Information:

  • The creative intensity of an industry plays a significant role in determining whether it falls under the Creative Industries umbrella. It's not just about the sector being incredibly creative; there must also be a focus on the generation and exploitation of intellectual property for the sector to be classified as part of the Creative Industries[2].
  • The creative industries contribute more than just jobs and economic growth. They also enrich cultural and social lives and foster innovation[5].
  • The term "ecosystem services" has been used to describe the non-market benefits that the creative industries provide[5].
  • Creative Industries companies made up 31% of the UK Fast 50 in 2019, with six out of the top ten UK companies coming from the Creative Industries[5]. Although other sectors, such as technology, have surpassed the Creative Industries in terms of high-growth companies, the sector remains a significant contributor to the UK's economy[5].
  1. The policy for identifying the Creative Industries in the UK is more refined, as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) considers not just creativity and innovation, but also the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.
  2. The Creative Industries manifest in a multitude of ways, from captivating advertising campaigns to breathtaking architecture and popular video games, all of which are driven by research and talent.
  3. Internationalisation plays a crucial role in the growth of the Creative Industries, as they seek to collaborate and share resources with counterparts across the globe.
  4. The creative workforce within the industries is largely skilled, with 72% holding degrees or higher level qualifications, while 83% are classified as higher-level occupations.
  5. The Creative Industries serve not only as a driver for economic development, but also contribute significantly to education and self-development, fostering innovation and cultural enrichment.
  6. Clusters of Creative Industries businesses can be found in various regions, with London being home to 57% of UK createch companies and 78% of AI and Data createch businesses in the country.
  7. Data is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of the Creative Industries, providing evidence of their contribution to the economy, employment, and regional distribution.
  8. The creative industries are supported by the finance sector, with businesses and individuals investing in promising startups and established companies within the industries.
  9. The arts are a significant part of the Creative Industries, serving as an essential component of our cultural heritage and providing opportunities for self-expression and collective creativity.
  10. The development of the Creative Industries is a complex and ongoing process, requiring ongoing research, investment, and policy support to sustain and accelerate growth.

Read also:

    Latest