As one of the eight IS-8 priority sectors under the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, Invest 2035, the Creative Industries represent a dynamic force driving innovation, cultural influence, and economic growth across the UK. This initiative aims to harness the potential of creative talent, technology, and digital transformation to shape the future of work, media, and design in the UK economy.
What Are Creative Industries?
Creative Industries encompass a broad range of businesses that transform imagination and ideas into tangible economic and cultural value. This includes fields like publishing, film and TV, design, architecture, video games, advertising, and performing arts, all united by their ability to generate intellectual property.
Creative Industries don’t just produce content, they spark innovation, strengthen digital competitiveness, and reinforce the UK’s soft power globally.
Why the Creative Industries Matter to the UK Economy
The UK’s Creative Industries are one of the fastest-growing parts of the economy, contributing over £100 billion annually to GDP and employing more than 2 million people.
The sector drives:
- Global Soft Power: Strengthening the UK’s cultural influence through film, music, and media exports.
- Innovation and IP Growth: Leveraging data, design, and digital tools for high-value creation.
- Regional Regeneration: Revitalising local economies through creative clusters in cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow.
- Digital Transformation: Bridging creativity with AI, AR/VR, and immersive technologies.
- Sustainability in Design: Integrating circular design, ethical fashion, and green production practices.
The Creative Industries sit at the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology, making them vital to the UK’s global competitiveness and innovation leadership.
Frontier Industries in the UK Creative Sector
Below are the frontier industries driving growth, innovation, and international recognition within the UK’s Creative Industries:
| Frontier Industry | Why It’s Important |
| Film, TV & Video | Supports the UK’s global entertainment exports and streaming economy. |
| Gaming & Interactive Media | Positions the UK as a leader in immersive digital storytelling and eSports. |
| Advertising & Marketing | Drives brand innovation, digital engagement, and creative exports. |
| Architecture & Design | Enhances sustainable infrastructure, user experience, and urban innovation. |
| Publishing & Journalism | Advances in digital communication and global information exchange. |
| Music & Performing Arts | Strengthens UK culture, exports, and the impact of tourism. |
| Fashion & Textiles | Promotes ethical, design-led, and sustainable manufacturing. |
| Digital Art & Animation | Powers creative technology, virtual production, and metaverse applications. |
| Cultural Heritage & Museums | Preserves identity and attracts domestic and international visitors. |
| Craft & Product Design | Combines artistry with commercial design innovation. |
Comprehensive SIC Codes for Creative Industries
The Creative Industries span a diverse set of activities across multiple SIC codes, reflecting their wide economic footprint.
At Datagardener, we use updated data and classifications to give a more accurate view of the Creative Industries. Here’s a list of SIC codes commonly used to represent the sector:
| SIC Code | Description |
| 3212 | Manufacture of jewellery and related articles |
| 58 | Publishing activities |
| 59 | Motion picture, video and television programme production; sound recording and music publishing activities |
| 60 | Programming and broadcasting activities |
| 6201 | Computer programming activities |
| 6202 | Computer consultancy activities |
| 7111 | Architectural activities |
| 741 | Specialised design activities |
| 742 | Photographic activities |
| 743 | Translation and interpretation activities |
| 8552 | Cultural education |
| 90 | Creative, arts, and entertainment activities |
| 9101 | Library and archive activities |
| 9102 | Museum activities |
These codes only partially capture the sector’s reach; many creative businesses operate across disciplines that go beyond traditional classifications.
Think Data. Think DataGardener
DataGardener users double their leads and cut research time in half — with smarter data, faster insights, and better decisions.
Top 15 UK Creative Industry Companies by Turnover
1. Cognizant Worldwide Limited
Incorporated: 2010
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £11.4b
Provides IT consulting and digital transformation services to businesses across the UK and Europe, driving innovation and operational efficiency.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/07195160/Cognizant-Worldwide-Limited
2. Sky UK Limited
Incorporated: 1994
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £10.4b
A leading media and telecommunications company offering broadband, TV, and mobile services, serving millions of UK households.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/02906991/Sky-Uk-Limited
3. RELX PLC
Incorporated: 1903
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £9.4b
A global provider of analytics and information solutions for professional and business customers across science, technology, and legal sectors.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/00077536/Relx-Plc
4. Pearson PLC
Incorporated: 1897
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £3.6b
A world-leading education and publishing company delivering digital learning platforms and educational materials globally.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/00053723/Pearson-Plc
5. Amazon Digital UK Limited
Incorporated: 2008
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £3.5b
Manages Amazon’s UK-based digital services, including Prime Video, Kindle, and cloud-based content distribution.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/06528297/Amazon-Digital-Uk-Limited
6. Universal Studios Limited
Incorporated: 2014
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £2.3b
Operates film distribution and entertainment ventures in the UK, contributing to the country’s creative and media industries.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/09074960/Universal-Studios-Limited
7. WWT EMEA UK Limited
Incorporated: 2011
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £2.1b
Provides IT solutions and technology consulting services for enterprise clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/07845692/Wwt-Emea-Uk-Limited
8. Activision Blizzard UK Ltd
Incorporated: 1983
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.7b
A major video game publisher responsible for leading franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, with strong UK operations.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/01709830/Activision-Blizzard-Uk-Ltd
9. Fujitsu Services Holdings PLC
Incorporated: 1915
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £1.6b
Delivers IT services, digital solutions, and infrastructure management across multiple UK industries.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/00142200/Fujitsu-Services-Holdings-Plc
10. Formula One World Championship Limited
Incorporated: 2001
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.6b
Owns and manages the global Formula One racing series, overseeing event organisation and media rights from its UK base.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/04174493/Formula-One-World-Championship-Limited
11. Capita Business Services Ltd
Incorporated: 1988
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.3b
Provides business process outsourcing and professional services to public and private sector organisations across the UK.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/02299747/Capita-Business-Services-Ltd
12. Workwell People Solutions Limited
Incorporated: 1989
Location: East of England
Latest Turnover: £1.2b
Offers workforce management and contractor payroll solutions, supporting flexible and compliant employment models.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/02407547/Workwell-People-Solutions-Limited
13. TNT Sports Broadcasting Limited
Incorporated: 2021
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.2b
Broadcasts premium sports content across the UK, including major football, rugby, and motorsport events.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/13545383/Tnt-Sports-Broadcasting-Limited
14. ITV Broadcasting Limited
Incorporated: 1969
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.1b
Operates one of the UK’s leading television networks, producing and broadcasting entertainment, news, and drama content.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/00955957/Itv-Broadcasting-Limited
15. Discovery Communications Europe Limited
Incorporated: 2004
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £1.0b
Manages Discovery’s European broadcasting and streaming operations, delivering factual and entertainment content to global audiences.
Source: https://app.datagardener.com/company/05039068/Discovery-Communications-Europe-Limited
Conclusion
The UK’s Creative Industries form the cultural and digital backbone of the Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, uniting creativity, technology, and sustainability.
By empowering innovation across design, media, gaming, and the arts, this sector continues to strengthen the UK’s global reputation, foster inclusive economic growth, and inspire the industries of the future.