Government backs scheme to help new creative businesses

The government has backed a scheme to help new businesses in the creative industries “hit the ground running”.

Report showed UK spends less on arts

Creative Entrepreneurs, launched this week at 10 Downing Street, is a website offering advice and resources for start-ups and creatives who want to start their own businesses.

The new social enterprise has been funded by Arts Council England, and follows a report published by Creative Industries Federation and BOP Consulting last week, which showed that the UK government spends much less on the arts and creative industries than other nations.

“A simple tool” collating information

The website includes topics such as ways to raise money, tips on writing a business plan and finding a workspace, legal and accounting advice and information on courses and training.

It aims to collate resources in one place, and offers real life stories and viewpoints from experienced entrepreneurs, and “leading experts” in other fields. It also encourages readers to get involved in the “conversation” by suggesting topics to include on the site.

It is aimed at entrepreneurs within 14 main creative sectors: advertising, architecture, art and photography, craft, design, digital entertainment and media, fashion, film and TV, marketing and PR, music, performing arts, publishing, theatre and video games.

Help creatives “hit the ground running”

The ethos behind the scheme is giving Britain’s creative industries a voice, as it states: “Britain’s creative industries are by far its fastest growing economic sector…they are the biggest sector after banking…why don’t more people know about this?”

Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey, who hosted the launch of Creative Entrepreneurs, says: “Government is working hard to foster the right environment for businesses to thrive, and this industry-led initiative will provide a valuable tool in helping our creative start-ups to not just find their feet, but to hit the ground running.”

He adds: “By providing resources, advice and inspiration, Creative Entrepreneurs will enable new British businesses to chart their own creative futures.”

Creative Entrepreneurs aims to raise more money in order to sustain and grow the initiative in the future.

According to the government, the creative industries are the UK’s “fastest growing economic sector”, worth 10% of UK GDP and £80 billion a year.