Dr Josh Siepel, from the University of Sussex Business School, has contributed to a landmark report highlighting serious barriers to finance in creative industries. This is despite these industries being named as one of eight priority growth sectors in the UK Government’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy. The UK’s creative industries are an engine for economic growth, bringing an estimated £124.6 billion to the economy in 2022. 

Siepel presented key findings from the report at The Big Creative UK Summit: Investment for Growth 4 March 2025. It shows that creative organisations have a higher appetite for growth than businesses in other sectors (72% compared to 59%) – but were over four times more likely to face obstacles in accessing the finance needed to achieve it. Creative UK, who initiated the report, have provided clear policy advice on how these issues can be addressed. 

The Big Creative UK Summit: Investment for Growth showcases the power of the UK’s creative sector to supercharge economic growth through gaming, film, TV, media, fashion, design, publishing, CreaTech, heritage, culture and more. Investors, creatives, entrepreneurs and policy makers joined for a day of bold conversations, dynamic pitching, and insightful networking. 

Dr Josh Siepel is part of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre which supports growth of the UK’s creative industries through providing independent and authoritative evidence and policy advice.