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Will Hutton opening speech

Will Hutton, The Work Foundation

Leading economics commentator Will Hutton (The Work Foundation) opened the conference with the observation that the creative industries had “come of age” and were “poised to lead the way in international trade and growth”.

He listed “high speed broadband and access to finance” as two of the keys to growth in the sector. He emphasised the need for the creative sector to “speak with one voice” and become “champions of good capitalism”, as well as discussing the need for “hybrid finance” for the creative sector, consisting of an “equity and loan package”. 

Speaking about the aims of the conference, Will Hutton said: “There is a great amount of market uncertainty when it comes to investment in the UK’s creative industries and yet this creative economy continues to be cited as one of the sectors of the UK most likely to generate jobs and economic growth. It is vital that government and private investment work together to build networks and understanding between investors, creative and cultural entrepreneurs, and those able to seriously boost the UK’s cultural and creative economy. If we do not sort the issues of investment and business development in the creative industries, we risk seriously eroding the UK’s competitive advantage in this area.”

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Will Hutton opening speech