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Boost for UK creative industries at SXSW London

June 2, 2025

London is this week hosting the first ever European SXSW. As a partner of SXSW, the Department for Business and Trade’s UK House will be opening its doors and bringing the best of British creativity to connect with potential investors and buyers, creating unique collaboration opportunities in the UK and across the world.

The programme includes panel sessions, interactive showcases and networking events at UK House. Speakers throughout the week include Spotify, TikTok, Aardman, Ozwald Boateng, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Rochelle Humes, Warner Music, the V&A and M+C Saatchi.

On June 2nd, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas will attend a VIP dinner with senior representatives from the business and investment community, where he will emphasise the UK’s strength in the creative economy and encourage international partnerships with global investors to help foster innovation and economic growth.

The creative industries are truly a global innovation driver, offering huge potential for British business and companies around the world. Our world-class University and Higher Education ecosystem underpins the creative industries sector on the global stage, with £6.5 billion spent on R&D in the sector in 2022.

The UK is already the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – and the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will provide investors with the competitive and dynamic environment they need to need to thrive by securing access to key markets for collaboration and expansion in areas like screen production, animation and design.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  “Our creative industries are a powerhouse of global innovation and it’s a real vote of confidence in the UK that SXSW has chosen us as its first ever European location, reflecting our position as a truly global destination to do business. With creative industries being identified as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, we’re not only helping to attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK, backing our Plan for Change.”

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