7th December 2007
Culture has been one of the driving forces behind the regeneration of the North-East in recent years, but you might be surprised to discover just how much it is worth to the region.
Creativity is a wonderful thing. And not just for the individuals who possess it, but for the entire region. Over the next five years more than 9,000 new jobs could be generated by the commercial creative industry, which is worth £800m to the North-East economy.
The sector, which includes film and television, games and new media, performing arts, publishing, and advertising, is a key part of the broader creative and cultural economy that has flourished in the North East recently and continues to go from strength to strength.
One North East recently commissioned independent research into creative industries, which revealed some very impressive statistics.
There are currently more than 2,200 creative businesses employing some 30,000 people across the region – with 48% of companies under 5 years old.
This shows the incredible growth over the past few years – and the future looks even brighter with 81% of companies anticipating growth in turnover in the next five years and 53% planning to recruit staff. But if the facts and figures aren’t impressive enough for you, speak to the people – and businesses – on the frontline.
Sumo is just one of these thriving companies. Based on Westgate Road, Newcastle, Sumo is a leading graphic design consultancy with a diverse range of clients around the world.
Managing Director Jim Richardson says, 'there has been a lot of growth within the design and branding sector over the last five years and there is a lot of room for further growth.'
'We’re based in Newcastle, but we have clients internationally that just wouldn’t have been possible 10 years ago. You would probably have to be based in London, probably with a number of offices.'
'Technology such as emails has helped make the change possible, but the North-East has also changed massively in those years along with its reputation as a leader in creative industries.'
'It has also been about agencies such as ourselves having more faith and ambition to look outside of the region for business.'
One North East Business and Industry Director Ian Williams says 'the regional economic strategy identifies the Commercial Creative Industries as a sector of key importance to the region’s economy.'
‘This research shows that the sector is again punching above its weight in the region and this is likely to continue.’
‘The growth of the commercial creative industries points the way forward to a more knowledge-based economy in the region, and the report highlights key opportunities that can be taken advantage of to maximise growth in the sector.'