New ‘Creative Industries Sector Plan’ to include funding for the British Fashion Council
The U.K. government has pledged to invest £380 million of funding targeting the country’s creative industries. The promise marks the start of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)-led ‘Creative Industries Sector Plan’ which outlines a framework for supporting innovation, financing, research and development, and skill growth across the country, cooperating with the DCMS’ ten-year ‘Plan For Change’ meant to transform the U.K. into a premier business destination.
The goal is to cement the U.K. as a global creative superpower, and to drive the value of its creative industries from 17 billion pounds in 2023 to 31 billion pounds by 2035. To do so, the government is employing a variety of sector-wide initiatives to help creatives scale, export and future-proof their operations. Moreover, the British Business Bank is supporting a plan to deliver a refreshed UK-wide £9 million creative careers service.
The plan also includes several provisions specifically for the British Fashion Council, including investing in its NewGen program, which backs emerging UK designers by offering funding for showcases and access to business mentoring. It’ll also provide monies for London Fashion Week, which limited its operations this year, cancelling its traditional June edition and opting to install British brands at a showcase in Paris.
Acknowledging fashion as a form of soft power, the Creative Industries Sector Plan is a hopeful step in building Britain’s impact and maintaining the Fashion Council and London Fashion week as drivers of culture, creativity and commerce.