Publishers Association welcomes government's plans to boost creative sector by £50bn

The Publishers Association (PA) has welcomed the government’s plans to boost the creative sector by £50bn by 2030. The plans set out by the government will support a million more jobs by that year, with £77m of new funding for the sector announced.

The Creative Industries Sector Vision was developed with industry via the Creative Industries Council (CIC) and aims to "build a pipeline of future talent".

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “The creative industries are a true British success story, from global music stars such as Adele and Ed Sheeran to world-class cultural institutions such ad the National Theatre. These industries have a special place in our national life and make a unique contribution to how we feel about ourselves as a country.

“We want to build on this incredible success to drive growth in our economy — one of my key priorities — and to ensure that UK creative industries continue to lead the world long into the future. Backed up with significant new funding, this ambitious plan will help grow the sector by an extra £50bn while creating one million extra jobs by 2030.”

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer added: “The government is backing our creatives to maximise the potential of the creative industries. This Sector Vision is about driving innovation, attracting investment and building on the clusters of creativity across the country. And from first days at school to last days of work, we will nurture the skills needed to build a larger creative workforce to harness the talent needed for continued success.

“Working with the industry this vision is helping the UK creative sectors go from strength to strength — providing jobs and opportunities, creating world leading content and supporting economic growth across the country.”

Alongside investment, the Sector Vision commits the government to a new creative careers promise, a pledge backed by a package of actions to open up more opportunities, particularly for young people, to pursue careers in the creative industries.

The announcement has been met with support from PA. Dan Conway, c.e.o. at the PA, said: “It is great to see the Sector Vision launch today, following months of hard work and collaboration between the government, and the UK’s leading creative sector. Publishing and the wider creative industries are booming in the UK and play a vital role in driving our economy forward.  

"The Sector Vision and the further investment announced by the government is a testament to what the future holds for the creative industries, and the benefits this will bring to the UK. I am excited to work closely with my peers in the Creative Industries Council to put these plans into action, and to help build a strong, inclusive publishing industry, and wider creative sector.”

Perminder Mann, c.e.o. at Bonnier Books, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the work that the CIC has put in to support the government in the development of this Sector Vision. In particular I’m confident that the commitment to build a strong and diverse pipeline of talent and skills is the key to delivering sustainable growth across our sector, and I look forward to supporting its delivery.”

Stephen Page, chair of Faber & Faber, also commented: "The golden thread of education and skills pathways that support careers for all in the creative industries is vital to their continued growth and outstanding success. I welcome the Sector Vision’s commitment to building the future workforce our industry needs, with opportunities for people from all backgrounds, and look forward to continued close working between government and industry towards realising that goal.”