The importance of creative industries across the South West were highlighted at an event in the Houses of Parliament.
Bournemouth University joined universities from across the region in launching the report, which underlines the vital role creative industries play in the regional economy, and the pipeline of talent in the South West.
The report was created by the Great South West pan-regional partnership, which seeks to promote the South West region nationally.
As well as underlining the economic importance of creative industries, the report also showcases the South West region as a cluster of talent, and key employer, supporting national ambitions for creative industries as identified in the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Professor Scott Wright, Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Media and Communication, attended the event to represent BU and said, “The report highlights the massive role the creative industries play in our economy – generating profits, providing highly skilled careers, and driving growth. As the access point to the creative peninsula, BCP and Dorset play a crucial role: 42% of the regions creative businesses are registered in Dorset; 25% of the region’s (rapidly rising) people working in the creative industries are in BCP; and BCP dominates the Gross Value Add of the region’s industries, contributing £671,000,000 – the largest share from micro businesses.
“Bournemouth University plays a key role in this ecosystem, producing a significant proportion of the 6,727 graduates in creative disciplines, supporting new creative start-ups, and providing a talent pipeline for established businesses – many founded by our alumni. This report shines a long overdue light on the value of our creative sector and will help us to leverage this success for future growth and collaboration.”
Bournemouth University offers a range of courses that provide work-ready graduates directly into the creative industries, with many choosing to stay and work locally on graduation.
The report calls for the Government to formally recognise the impact the South West region has in creative industries and looks for a new funding model of investment into the South West to boost this vital UK sector further.
The report can be read in full on the Great South West website: https://greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights/
For more information about BU’s public affairs activity, visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/news-events/news/public-affairs-policy-impact
