Latest figures released by the DCMS clearly illustrate the importance of the creative industries to the UK economy as a whole, with a gross value added of £84.1bn in 2014.

The Creative Industries Economic Estimates report was commissioned from the Office for National Statistics, and shows that the creative industries have grown as a proportion of the GVA (gross value added) for four years running.

An example of this is the fact that the GVA of the creative industries increased by 8.9% between 2013 and 2014, outperforming by nearly double the UK economy as a whole.

Chief executive of Creative England, Caroline Norbury, said of the statistics: “Today”s superb official figures once again testify to the creative sector”s role as a major engine for growth.

“But there can be no room for complacency. If we”re to build on the phenomenal success of the UK”s creative industries and maintain our competitiveness against other international markets, forging more connections between talent and opportunity is crucial”.