27.11.17: UK Music welcomed the Government’s Industrial Strategy published today.

Chief Executive Michael Dugher said he was pleased to see Business Secretary Greg Clark’s commitment to the creative industries.

He also praised the move to set up a new national Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.

Mr Dugher added that he looked forward to hearing more detail on a sector deal for the creative industries.

Commenting, Mr Dugher said:

“The music industry is worth more than £4 billion a year to the UK economy.

“It is vital that the music business forms a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy if we are to continue to nurture talent and grow the sector.

“I am pleased the Government has recognised the world-leading role of UK creative industries and that it is a such a fast-growing and important part of the economy.

“With Brexit around the corner we are keen to hear more about the sector deal for the creative industries as soon as possible.”

The Industrial Strategy White Paper aligned support for the creative sector behind Bazalgette Review recommendations for creative sectors by funding eight research partnerships between universities and business clusters.

It proposed a new national Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre to collate independent evidence to boost understanding of the creative industries, including how they are working together in clusters and across the wider economy.

It also proposed building on the success of the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund. The Government has already outlined plans to invest £2m in place-based cultural development to continue to support the role culture can play in regeneration.

UK Music believes that the Government must support intellectual property, skills and education, finance and investment, international action and regional development in its Industrial Strategy if the UK is to remain an attractive place for a talented and creative music industry.

A sector deal must deliver firm commitments and statements from the Government in relation to its support for the intellectual property framework. This provides a backbone to our commercial success and endeavours. Growth would be severely inhibited if copyright is not protected or its value not recognised.

A sector deal must also provide for physical infrastructure to support the development of the music industry. Without modern venues, studios and rehearsal spaces it will be impossible for new and existing artists and musicians to develop and grow audiences and fan bases.