The UK Government is set to invest £25 million in six mayoral regions, including Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, starting in 2026. This initiative aims to bolster local creative industries such as film, TV, and music by providing tailored support through the Creative Places Growth Fund. Additionally, over 100 SMEs across 12 regions will benefit from £8 million in grants.
Boosting Regional Creative Industries
The UK Government’s investment of £25 million per region over three years is a significant step towards enhancing the creative sectors outside London. This funding will empower local Mayors to provide tailored support, addressing regional barriers and fostering growth in industries like film, TV, music, fashion, and video games.
Empowering Local Leadership
- £25 million allocated to each of six mayoral regions over three years
- Focus on supporting local creative sectors such as film, TV, music, fashion, and video games
- Local Mayors can tailor support including finance access and mentoring
- Aims to overcome regional barriers and foster economic resilience
- Part of a broader £380 million investment package announced in 2025
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
The Create Growth Programme will distribute £8 million in grants among more than 100 SMEs across 12 UK regions. These grants range from £20,000 to £140,000 and are designed to help businesses scale up their operations and attract private investment. Examples of supported businesses include Translating Nature (art and design) and King Bee (creative animation).
Opportunities for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Over 100 SMEs across 12 regions receive grants between £20k-£140k
- Aims to help businesses commercialise innovations and connect with investors
- Regions include Cornwall, Devon, East Midlands among others
- Supports scaling up operations for creative entrepreneurs
- Paves the way for increased job security within the sector
A Broader Context of this Investment Strategy
The initiatives build on the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan announced in June 2025. The plan pledged a total of £150 million to six mayoral regions as part of a wider effort to double business investment in the creative sector by 2035. It aligns with the Industrial Strategy’s focus on regional growth.
Additional Reading
A Final Reflection
This strategic investment by the UK Government highlights its commitment to nurturing regional creative industries beyond London. By empowering local leadership with substantial funding resources tailored for specific needs within these communities, this initiative promises not only economic growth but also cultural enrichment across various parts of Britain.
Sources: UK Government, Creative Boom, Growth Platform, West of England Combined Authority, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
