Creative Sector Support Agencies UK 2024

The creative industries are enjoying a renaissance. More than ever people are choosing creativity and following their passion to bring together communities, tell stories, share passions and heal.

It's an industry that many love and are part of, but struggle to want to develop their talents into enterprise, largely due to the perception of entrepreneurship and business being analytical, ruthless, soul-less and where creativity dies.

Times are changing, we are changing, we can open our minds and take the steps to success with help and support.

This blog is a resource that you can refer to, so you can seek out help and support to developing ideas, securing funding and finding your place in the market.

The UK boasts a strong network of support agencies dedicated to nurturing and empowering the diverse landscape of the creative sector. Here are some key players, categorized by their focus:

National Agencies:

• Arts Council England: The national development agency for the arts, distributing public money and supporting individuals, organisations, and projects across all artistic disciplines.

• Creative UK: A membership organisation championing, connecting, and investing in the UK's creative industries. They offer business support, advocacy, networking opportunities, and resources.

• Creative England: Works specifically for the creative and cultural industries in England, providing funding, business support, and skills development programmes.

• British Film Institute (BFI): Supports film production, distribution, and exhibition through funding schemes, resources, and professional development programmes.

• Music Week Growth Fund: Invests in and supports UK music businesses through loans and equity investments.

Regional Agencies:

• Scottish Enterprise: The national economic development agency for Scotland, offering a range of business support programmes for creative businesses.

• Wales Screen: Supports the film and television sector in Wales through funding, skills development, and networking opportunities.

• Invest NI: Promotes and supports foreign direct investment and business growth in Northern Ireland, including the creative sector.

Sector-Specific Agencies:

• The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB): Supports and protects the rights of professional writers across various sectors.

• The Musicians' Union (MU): Represents and champions the rights of professional musicians in the UK.

• The Directors' Guild of Great Britain (DGGB): Represents and supports film and television directors in the UK.

• The Society of London Theatre (SOLT): Represents and supports the UK's leading commercial theatre producers.

Other Support Organisations:

• Princes Trust: Offers grants, loans, and business support to young entrepreneurs, including those in the creative sector.

• NatWest Business Hub: Provides resources, workshops, and networking events for small businesses, including creative businesses.

• Start Up Loans: Government-backed scheme offering loans and business support to entrepreneurs, including creative entrepreneurs.

• Enterprise Nation: Online platform offering resources, courses, and community support for entrepreneurs, including creative entrepreneurs.

Remember:

• This is not an exhaustive list, and many other local and regional support agencies exist throughout the UK.

• The best agency for you will depend on your specific needs, location, and area of the creative sector you operate in.

• Utilize resources like Creative UK, regional arts councils, and sector-specific associations to discover relevant support agencies and networks.

My Support

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Please connect here. I look forward to talking with you.

Caroline