An independent report comissioned by the department of culture, media and sport has dubbed the creative industries a ‘great, unsung success story’.

Of the 13 creative industry sectors featured, software (including games and electronic publishing), publishing, TV and radio accounted for two thirds of overall creative gross value added, according to the newly-released paper Staying Ahead: The Economic Performance of the UK’s Creative Industries.

“I was at the launch yesterday and I was pleased to see a number of things,” said Jackson. “Firstly how seriously the British Government is taking the creative industries. Secondly to hear the videogames industry hugely included when referring to the strength of the creative economy in the UK and thirdly to hear Shaun Woodward principally call for more recognition, support and investment for videogames industry in the UK.”

“ELSPA continues to have dialogue and lobby government for more support and investment for the industry as well input into education and this report is in strong support of these views. A great and continuing step forward.”

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell added: “I very much welcome The Work Foundation’s report. This analysis shows just how vibrant – and how economically important – our creative industries are. It reinforces how vital government investment in creativity is, nurturing talent which in turn creates jobs and economic success.”