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UK Government Awards £25 Million Each to Six Regions to Grow Creative Industries

Funds will be devolved to mayoral authorities over three years from 2026 to target local barriers to growth.

Overview

  • The six areas are Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, the North East, West of England, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
  • Allocations will be routed to Mayoral Strategic Authorities to deploy across local priorities including business support, skills and sector-specific initiatives.
  • A separate £8 million Create Growth Programme is providing £20,000–£140,000 grants to more than 100 creative SMEs in 12 regions.
  • Target sectors include film and TV, music, fashion and video games, with aims to drive innovation, jobs and private investment.
  • Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy set out the package at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, and regional leaders such as West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the move.