The Creative Industries generated total revenues of £67.5 billion in 2007 [1] (Figures 1 and 2). There is considerable variation in economic contribution between the sectors, with publishing accounting for over 30% of revenue generated by the sector as a whole, but lying behind computer games and film in terms of growth. The sector as whole has enjoyed sustained growth since 2003 (Figure 3) which, prior to the recession, was forecast to continue.

Notes: Due to use of different sources for turnover and GVA - and differing definitions of each sector - the GVA numbers are higher than the revenue numbers in the architecture, film and music sub-sectors. Advertising spend is double-counted in revenue (due to its inclusion in radio and TV and publishing as well as in the advertising category). Excluding ad revenue from radio and TV (~£7.7bn), magazines (£1.6bn) and newspapers (£7.9bn) the total UK revenue is ~£50.5bn). UK GVA based on DCMS 2006 estimate of £895,313m.

*Design and designer fashion from 2003 DCMS report (last available)

** Computer games estimated to account for ~5% of total software, computer games and e-publishing DCMS-reported GVA contribution (based on relative market sizes).

*** Performing arts and music combined in 2006 report - split out using employee split between the two industries. 

Sources: All revenue estimates from PWC, Global Entertainment & Media Market Outlook, 2008, except social media - eMarketer 2007, advertising - Zentih/Optimedia estimates, architecture - Construction Industry Council, design - DCMS Creative Industries Economic Estimates Statistics Bulletin, Jan ‘09

The chart shows the historical actual and forecast growth in the Creative Industries as projected by PWC, summer 2008. It should be noted that the "music" category here represents recorded music only and does not reflect the consistent growth that has occurred in live music and music publishing. It should also be noted that the impact of the recession on the above chart has yet to be reforecast, but the growth will have slowed in some segments more than in others. Advertising in particular may be less positive than indicated here.

Turning to the relative performance of exports, it is notable that royalty and license fees perform particularly strongly reflecting the strength of the UK as a source of ideas. For example, 30 of the top 200 films at the world box office in 2001-2007 were based on stories and characters created by British writers generating £14 billion at the worldwide box office; (e.g. JK Rowling, Tolkien and CS Lewis). In these UNCTAD numbers, the figure for design is inflated because design is included with the manufacture of physical goods. Appendix 1 contains an overview of the each of the sub-sectors.