9 May 2008
The creative industry sector is a key growth area for South West England and the universities and higher education colleges in the area are working together via a regional network to strengthen and support collaborative work with creative industry businesses.
The universities in the South West contribute significantly to the development of the creative industries and they have a huge amount to offer businesses in terms of services and facilities. This encompasses libraries, archives and equipment that can be accessed by creative industry professionals to enhance their competitiveness, improve productivity levels and move their company forward. Other services on offer include expert consultancy by academic staff, advice and support for start up companies, access to specialist facilities such as rapid prototyping and media studios, research and development, tailored training provision and student or graduate placements.
Key Facts
· The creative industries include the areas of architecture, arts, design, fashion, media, music, performing arts, publishing and software, which together contribute £2,912m to the economy or 3.3% of the South West’s economic output.
· The sector employs close to 55,000 people in the South West, representing 2.5% of total jobs in the region. The proportion of South West creative industry employees with a degree / higher level qualification is 38% compared with an all industry average of 26%.
· Regionally employment in the sector grew by 6.6% from 1999-2004.
· Each year 12,000 people complete university level studies in creative disciplines in the South West, providing a large pool of graduates for employers to tap into.
· There are 11,900 creative industries ‘business sites’, equal to 5.5% of the region’s business sites.
To read the media brief click here
To read the full report click here
