Creative Trade Forum launched to boost UK creative industries internationally

A new partnership between government and industry leaders focuses on helping the UK creative industries sell more ideas, talent and products overseas.

Minister for Reindustrialisation Blair McDougall launched the new Creative Trade Forum alongside Forum Co-chairs Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, and Michael Frohlich, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affiairs Officer of WPP, the creative transformation company, during a visit to the Edinburgh Festivals, which generate around £800 million for Scotland's economy and support thousands of jobs.

The Forum delivers a key commitment of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, as part of the Government's Modern Industrial Strategy.

Reporting to the Creative Industries Council, the Forum brings together leaders from industry and trade bodies, including from YouTube, BBC Studios, WPP, Goalhanger the British Film Institute and the British Council to help creative businesses scale up and showcase the best of UK creative excellence overseas.

It will provide industry-led insight to government, identify barriers to growth, champion UK creative exports, attract investment and help build stronger international commercial partnerships.

The Forum will give creative businesses direct access to industry and government expertise to help them break into new markets and turn British talent into commercial success.

The announcement comes as official statistics show the UK’s creative industries added over £145 billion to the economy in 2024, supporting thousands of skilled jobs.

Minister for Reindustrialisation Blair McDougall said: “The Edinburgh Festivals showcase the best of Britain's world-renowned creative businesses, which is why it’s here that we’re launching the Creative Trade Forum, bringing together industry experts and leaders to drive investment and opportunity for British firms in new global markets.

“Through our Modern Industrial Strategy, we’re doubling down on one of Britain’s fastest-growing sectors and biggest success stories to boost good growth and jobs in every corner of the country, and cement our world-leading creative reputation.”

Francesa Hegyi, Co-Chair of Creative Trade Forum and CEO, Edinburgh International Festival said: “The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, launched in June 2025, is a clear blueprint for economic growth, and creative industries are a key part of that.  

“I'm really pleased that the groundwork we've laid over the past couple of years is now translating into tangible action through the Creative Trade Forum. This will unlock genuine export and investment opportunities for creative businesses right across the UK.”

Michael Frohlich, Co-Chair of Creative Trade Forum and Chief Marketing Officer, WPP said: “Britain does not have a creativity challenge. It has a scale challenge. We already produce world-class ideas, talent and intellectual property. The opportunity now is to help more UK creative businesses turn that advantage into export growth, investment and commercial success in every major market around the world.  

“Today's creative industries sit at the intersection of creativity, technology and commerce, spanning everything from advertising, design and architecture to film, television, gaming and next-generation AI-powered businesses.

“The countries that win over the next decade will be those that treat creativity not just as cultural capital, but as economic infrastructure. The Creative Trade Forum is about helping more British creative businesses compete, grow and win on the global stage.”

Ian Murray, Minister of State for DCMS said: "This new, industry-led forum marks a step change in how the Government and the creative sector will work together to unlock global opportunities for our creative businesses.

"Our Creative Industries Sector Plan set out a clear ambition: to break down market access barriers and use trade agreements to grow trade and investment. The Creative Trade Forum will be central to delivering that, and I look forward to working closely with it to build on the world-leading strength of our creative industries."

Further support for cutting-edge creative organisations will be available from Innovate UK’s Next Wave growth programme. The programme is designed for creative technology businesses, helping ambitious micro businesses and SMEs turn breakthrough ideas – like next-generation gaming platforms and AI tools for film production – into scalable products and services, and connect them to new overseas markets.

Following a highly successful £10 million pilot programme, which attracted around 700 applicants from creative technology businesses, Innovate UK will launch more funding opportunities in 2027 in four industries: film and TV, video games, music, performing and visual arts, and advertising and marketing.

Deputy Director Creative Industries, Innovate UK, Dr Joanna Choukeir said:  "The UK is home to extraordinary R&D infrastructure, creative talent and technological ideas. Next Wave is about backing the people pushing the edges of creativity and technology. By connecting ambitious createch SMEs with funding, expertise, markets and investment, we're helping make the UK the #1 place for the next generation of UK creative businesses to start, scale, stay and contribute to societal impact.”

More on the Creative Trade Forum

More from Innovate UK on funding opportunities for UK creative organisations

‍