Six UK regions have each been awarded £25 million to support growth in creative sectors, including film, TV, music, fashion, and video games. The funding forms part of the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund, announced in the 2025 Creative Industries Sector Plan.
The regions receiving funding are Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, North East, West of England, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire. Allocations will be distributed over three years from the 2026 financial year. Local Mayoral Strategic Authorities will manage the funds, providing businesses and creative professionals with access to finance, mentoring, networking opportunities, and skills programmes tailored to regional needs.
Alongside this, more than 100 micro, small, and medium-sized creative enterprises across twelve regions have secured a share of £8 million through the Create Growth Programme. Grants range from £20,000 to £140,000, supporting companies to commercialise ideas, attract investment, and scale operations.
Eligible businesses operate across sectors, including gaming, music, marketing, animation, and design. Regions benefiting include Greater Manchester; Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire; North East England; West of England; Devon and Cornwall; South East; Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Greater Lincolnshire; Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; Hull and East Yorkshire; West Midlands; West Yorkshire; and Hertfordshire.
The funding is intended to strengthen local creative ecosystems, enhance innovation capacity, and provide regional businesses with tools to grow and connect with private investors.
