Our history

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Creative UK was established in 2021 by bringing Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation together to coalesce our collective capabilities; using creativity to shape the UK’s social, cultural, and economic future. By merging the industry insights and advocacy work of the Federation, with the practical support and investment work of Creative England, we are now perfectly positioned to have visible impact and drive real change.


Creative England

Creative England was created in 2011 as the first national development organisation for the creative industries.  Founded by our Chief Executive Caroline Norbury, MBE and founding Chairman John Newbigin, OBE, the objective of the company was to support creative businesses across England by connecting them to the money, markets and networks they needed to grow.

Creative England logo



Creative Industries Federation

The Creative Industries Federation was the brainchild of Sir John Sorrell, the designer and UK business ambassador.  The ambition was to give political clout to a sector that has been the fastest growing part of the UK economy over the last decade but had never punched its weight with government.  More than 200 founder supporters funded early development before the membership scheme launched in January 2015.

Creative Industries Federation logo