Professor Nick Wilson's work included in the Government's industrial strategy

The government published its industrial strategy last week - a strategy document that sets out a new economic approach to backing the UK's strengths, with plans for eight high-growth sectors.

Professor Nick Wilson’s research on funding gaps in the Creative Industries featured in the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan (23 June 23 2025), part of the broader Industrial Strategy.

Professor Wilson has been exploring the challenges creative businesses face in accessing finance, despite their strong growth potential and ambition. His work highlights the scale of the equity finance gap (up to £1.4 billion) and the structural information barriers that deter investors.

As noted in the report: “Creative businesses across the UK and in every creative sub-sector want finance to fuel growth... it is estimated that the Creative Industries equity finance gap may be as high as £1.4 billion, and investors have reported that a lack of information on growth, exits, and returns discourages them from investing in the sector.” (p.19)

The research contributes to evidence-based policymaking aimed at closing the finance gap, increasing investment readiness, and unlocking the full potential of the UK’s creative economy.