Creative Industries Federation launches

More than 200 companies across the fashion, publishing, TV, film, music and arts industries have united to form a new independent body bringing together the public and private sector to provide a “single and independent voice” for Britain's fastest-growing sector.

The Creative Industries Federation was unveiled last night, November 24 in London, and features support from fashion houses Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Issa, and Mulberry, as well as retailers Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Net-a-Porter, and Selfridges. The organisation, which aims to represent the UK’s cultural sector, also has the support of the British Fashion Council, University of the Arts London, the BFI, Design Council, Creative Skillset, Victoria and Albert Museum and Walpole British Luxury.

As well as the host of businesses supporting the group, there are also a number of founding supporting individuals including Liberty managing director Ed Burstell, Whistles chief executive Jane Shepherdson, Nicole Farhi owner Maxine Hargreaves-Adams, Issa chairwoman Camilla Al Fayed and the British Council chairman Sir Vernon Ellis.

UK creative industries team up to launch federation

The brainchild of Sir John Sorrel, along with other senior figures in the cultural and creative industries, the aim of the Creative Industries Federation will be to lobby government to focus on issues such as education, finance and funding, diversity and digital development across the sectors represented by the group.

The organisation will also work with universities, business schools and other institutions to research and create an annual report that will provide the definitive international assessment of the impact of UK creative industries and arts, identifying threats, challenges and best practice around the world.

The federation which aims to increase access and diversity for the cultural industry also plans to offer its members networking opportunities through its meetings, events and conferences. During 2015 the group already has plans to host 12 road shows across the UK, co-hosted by partners from public, private and education.

John Kampfner, director of the Creative Industries Federation, said: “Britain's public arts and creative companies have far more in common than they realise.

“Both share a need to ensure vibrant communities and successful cultural education. We will encourage them to join forces in these endeavours.”

Sorrell added: “It is time for the UK’s creative industries to have a strong, independent membership body with a powerful voice. For too long they have found themselves under-represented in spite of their huge contribution.”

The federation will be opening a wider national membership scheme from December, they will offer business, charity and not for profit, education/skills, associate and individual memberships.