Theatre News

Creative industries 'worth £76.9 billion' to UK economy

The figure marks a ten percent increase on 2012-13

Shaftesbury Avenue in London
Shaftesbury Avenue in London

New figures published today by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) reveal that the UK’s Creative Industries, including performing arts, are now worth £76.9 billion per year to the UK economy.

According to the DCMS the contribution equates to "£8.8 million per hour, or £146,000 every single minute, playing a key role in the Government's long-term economic plan".

Of the sectors, which include film, TV and music, performing arts was the second fastest-growing, contributing £5.4 billion.

The figures mark an increase on 2012-13 by ten percent – more than three times that of the UK economy as a whole, and higher than any other industry.

The Creative Industries accounted for 1.71 million jobs in 2013, 5.6 percent of total UK jobs; and a 1.4 percent increase on 2012.

Sajid Javid, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, said: "The UK's Creative Industries are recognised as world leaders around the globe and today’s figures show that they continue to grow from strength to strength.

"They are one of our most powerful tools in driving growth, outperforming all other sectors of industry and their contribution to the UK economy is evident to all."

For further information and to read the full report, visit the DCMS website