Bazalgette leads gov’t’s UK creative industries review

TV industry veteran Peter Bazalgette will lead an independent review into the UK’s creative industries, as part of the government’s new Industrial Strategy proposals.

Bazalgette will investigate how creative industries – including the music and video games industries – can help underpin the UK’s “future prosperity” by using and developing new technology, capitalising on intellectual property rights, and nurturing talent.

The news came as UK prime minister Theresa May used her first regional Cabinet meeting yesterday to launch proposals for a modern industrial strategy – to build on Britain’s strengths and tackle its underlying weaknesses ahead of its planned withdrawal from the European Union. 

The government named the creative industries as one of five sectors where it welcomed work on early deals. The other four were: life sciences, industrial digitalisation, competitiveness in the nuclear industry, and the transition to ultra low emission vehicles.

“In industrial sectors – from automotive and aerospace to financial and professional services and the creative industries – the UK has built a global reputation,” said the government in a green paper published yesterday, titled ‘Building our Industrial Strategy’.

“But the competition for new investment is fierce and unending. The conditions that have allowed UK investment destinations to succeed include the availability of supportive research programmes, relevant skills in local labour markets and capable supply chains. However, for continuing success, these foundations must be maintained and strengthened.”

The report said that media institutions like the BBC can help to anchor creative clusters, “as it has done in Salford”, and claimed that cultural institutions and regular events can act as “a magnet for visitors”.

It also said that sector deals will not be confined toexisting or traditional industrial sectors, noting that there are “new or growing industries like artificial intelligence and satellite technology where the UK has a real competitive advantage.”

Bazalgette is currently non-executive chairman of UK broadcaster ITV and is often credited with launching Big Brother in the UK in 1997.

takes up the role as his four-year term as chairman of the Arts Council England draws to a close. He also stepped down as president from the Royal Television Society in November after six years.