TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to boost the creative industries, announced today. These plans include driving investment, funding, and changes to the apprenticeship scheme.
As part of its modern Industrial Strategy, the Government has committed to supporting creative businesses, including start-up video game studios, by providing a £60 million funding package. This initiative aims to foster investment, innovation, and job creation, supporting communities and enhancing the UK’s position as a global leader in the creative industries.
UK Government Actions to Boost the Creative Industries:
- Investment Initiatives:
- Allocation of £40 million to support start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues, and creative businesses.
- Strengthening support through the British Business Bank to improve access to finance for creative businesses.
- Regional Focus:
- Prioritising development in regions such as:
- North East
- Greater Manchester
- Liverpool City Region
- West Yorkshire
- West Midlands
- Greater London
- West of England
- South Wales
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh-Dundee corridor
- Belfast
- Providing additional funding to six Mayoral Combined Authorities as part of the Spending Review.
- Prioritising development in regions such as:
- Sector Growth Plan:
- Launching the Creative Industry Sector Plan as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, with publication planned for spring.
- Identifying and addressing barriers to growth, including skills gaps and access to finance.
- Skills Development:
- Introducing shorter, more flexible apprenticeships from August 2025 to address the unique needs of the creative sector.
- Working on a more adaptive Growth and Skills Levy to benefit the industry.
- Soft Power and Innovation:
- Establishment of a new Soft Power Council to champion UK cultural influence abroad and boost domestic investment.
- Increasing support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to drive innovation in the creative industries.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Partnering with the Creative Industries Taskforce, chaired by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette, to develop and implement sector plans.
- Engaging with businesses to ensure a supportive environment and align strategies with industry needs.
TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson OBE said: “It’s excellent to see the Government’s commitment to the creative industries spending programmes. Game developers will particularly welcome the £5.5 million investment in the UK Games Fund, which plays an important role in helping start-up studios to grow.”
Images from today’s event
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Notes for editors:
About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association for the UK video games industry. TIGA’s vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. To this end, TIGA:
- engages with policymakers to create an environment favourable to video games development;
- enhances education and skills through our accreditation programme, the TIGA Games Education Awards and our education conference;
- promotes best practice through our membership services, including the TIGA STAR Employer Award and the TIGA Games Industry Awards;
- conducts primary research into the games sector, surveying hundreds of companies each year about the business environment, support policies and the health of the industry.
Get in touch:
Email: info@tiga.org
Web: www.tiga.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tigamovement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga