Summit highlights West of England’s commitment to driving investment and growth in the creative sector

The West of England is continuing to build on its ambition to become the most investable creative economy outside London, as regional leaders, industry experts and policymakers came together for the Creative Economy Access to Finance Summit.

Delivered in partnership by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), the summit - held at the Bristol Beacon - marked another milestone in a sustained programme of collaboration designed to support the growth of creative businesses and strengthen the region’s profile nationally and internationally.

Around 100 representatives from across the creative industries, finance, government and academia attended the event, underlining the commitment of the region’s partnership‑led approach.

The summit opened with a welcome address by Professor Sir Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, who emphasised the need for collective action and encouraged delegates to consider how the creative industries are evolving, underlining the importance of enterprise, innovation and ongoing reskilling.

A keynote conversation followed between the Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin and Chancellor of UWE Bristol Sir Peter Bazalgette – a leader in the UK’s creative industries and Co-Chair of the Creative Industries Council. The discussion explored how regions can create the conditions for sustainable creative growth, attract private investment and support businesses to scale while remaining rooted locally.

A panel discussion then focused on the barriers facing businesses, including the challenge of unlocking investment in creative IP‑driven companies, which often struggle to access finance because traditional investment models do not fully recognise the value of intellectual property.

With the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority being one of six UK regions to be awarded £25 million through the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund, the summit also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to feedback on plans for the region over the next three years.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, UWE Bristol Chancellor, said: “It’s encouraging to see such a significant turnout at the summit. The West of England is already recognised as a national leader in the creative industries, providing a strong foundation for future investment and job creation.

“With the creative industries now sitting at the heart of the Government’s Industrial Strategy as one of eight priority growth sectors driving additional investment in innovation, there is a major opportunity for the region to build on its dynamic creative sector that already excels in digital creativity, bringing together talent, technology, research, and enterprise.”

UWE Bristol continues to play an important civic role within this partnership, supporting the creative economy through research, skills development, and by convening a sustained series of events such as the Creative Economy Access to Finance Summit. This work is underpinned by close collaboration with WECA and industry to align regional priorities and accelerate investment.

“In many ways, we are in the middle of an industrial revolution, and the West of England is well positioned to help define it,” continued Sir Peter Bazalgette. “Universities play a central role in that, by developing the next generation of rainmakers who will feed into the sector, attract future investment, and drive new ideas.”

Since 2015, more creative jobs have been created here in the West of England than any other English region, including London. The creative industries are one of five priority growth sectors in the West of England's ambitious ten-year Growth Strategy.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: “The summit at Bristol Beacon showed the ambition, talent, and collaboration that make the West of England such a cultural powerhouse. Our creative industries are a huge part of who we are as a place. The sector's jobs, innovation, and investment make a real contribution to our status as the fastest-growing regional economy.”

"Through our £25 million Creative Places Growth Fund, we'll help super charge the economic growth of our creative industries and build on our global strengths in screen, animation, immersive and creative technology.”