Essex Creative Evidence Report: Shaping the Future of Essex's Creative Sector

The Essex Creative Evidence Report: Shaping the Future of Essex’s Creative Sector provides a robust evidence base to position culture and creativity at the heart of our economic and social strategy—particularly as we move into a new era of devolution.

This report, compiled by leading consultancy We Made That, demonstrates why the creative industries are not just cultural assets, but key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and community well-being. It sets out clear opportunities for Essex to lead nationally in this sector.


Why Culture and the Creative Industries Matter:

  • The UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan aims to make the UK the world’s leading creative economy by 2035. Essex can align with this national agenda and attract investment.

  • Devolution offers unprecedented scope to embed culture in local growth strategies, unlocking tailored funding and powers.

Read the Report Here
Essex Creative Evidence Report
Image: Lata Upadhyaya. Photo: Realm Video.

Key Facts From the Report:

  • 6,360 creative businesses operate in Essex, spanning nine sub-sectors.

  • Around 36,000 creative workers, with one-third freelancers—a vital part of the economy.

  • Film & TV jobs up 16.5% and music, performing and visual arts up 13.8% (2020–2023), despite overall sector decline.

  • 96% of creative businesses are micro-businesses, even higher than the national average.

  • 81% of creative businesses report stable or improved performance in the last year.

  • Creative industries contribute £124 billion GVA nationally and employ 2.4 million people—Essex has the assets to grow its share.

Six Strategic Opportunities for Essex Identified:

  1. Creative Opportunity Zones to strengthen clusters and attract investment.

  2. Skills and talent pipeline development to address shortages and widen access.

  3. Support for freelancers and micro-businesses to build resilience.

  4. Promotion of Essex as a creative destination to attract inward investment.

  5. Focus on high-growth sub-sectors like film, TV, and performing arts.

If you would like to learn more please contact us at culture@essex.gov.uk.