Investing in the creative industries

The Creative Industries are at the forefront of Britain's modernisation, bringing innovation, hope and economic resurgence to many regions. As one of the fastest growing areas of the UK economy over the past ten years, they contribute significantly to UK GDP and are a major employer of creative graduates who originate new products and services for global markets.

Despite their success, creative entrepreneurs experience barriers to finance, which limit opportunities for their further growth and the expansion of the sector. At the heart of the problem is a lack of investor awareness of Creative Industries business models, limited access to useful market research, and the perception that creative businesses are lifestyle-directed, rather than goal-focused.

This document is a call to action for organisations and individuals who are in a position to help the Creative Industries become a profitable powerhouse, to do their part to effect change.

NESTA commissioned this research into the area of investment in the Creative Industries to inform the launch of its Graduate Pioneer Programme in 2003.

Published
November 2003

Author
NESTA

Reports
Download the report (PDF)
ICM Creative Industries Poll (PDF)
Investors Poll (PDF)