Key Takeaways from the Labour Party Conference Panel
At the 2025 Labour Party Conference, Cornwall’s creative sector was thrust into the spotlight by a panel hosted by Creative UK. The discussion focused on the Southwest as a burgeoning creative hub and outlined the region’s drive to secure government recognition and investment. Falmouth University – the flagship institution of the area – served as a leading voice, highlighting the role of education, research and industry collaboration in propelling the local economy forward.
Why Cornwall Matters in the National Creative Landscape
Recent data from the Great South West University Alliance, led by Falmouth, shows:
- Fastest job growth in creative industries among UK regions outside London (2019‑2022)
- More than 35,000 permanent employees, and an additional 40,000 freelancers driving cross‑sector growth
- Annual contribution of £2.7 billion to gross value added (GVA), exceeding many other traditional sectors
- Strong alignment with the four ‘frontier’ sub‑sectors in the national Creative Industries Sector Plan: advertising & marketing, music, performing & visual arts, and video game & film & TV
These figures underline why policymakers and investors have started to see the Southwest as a natural laboratory for innovation, where place‑based creativity can be nurtured and scaled.
Falmouth University’s Role as a Catalyst
Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Emma Hunt used the platform to stress the university’s partnership with industry, local government and other higher‑education institutions. Her message centered on three pillars:
- Research & Innovation: From sustainable visual production to cutting‑edge video game design, Falmouth’s research teams are developing new tools and workflows that meet global demand.
- Workforce Development: The university’s curriculum feeds a pipeline of highly skilled graduates and retraining programmes for existing residents, ensuring talent is always aligned with industry needs.
- Community Engagement: By investing in locally‑based events and support for small‑scale creators, Falmouth supports the economic and cultural vitality of coastal towns and rural villages.
“The Southwest is teeming with ideas, innovation and ambition,” said Prof. Hunt. “We are proud to work with our partners to champion the region’s contribution to the UK’s economic, social and cultural development, and to ensure the creative industries receive the recognition, support and investment necessary to unlock future success.”
Collaborative Networks – Creative UK and the South West Alliance
Creative UK’s chief executive Caroline Norbury OBE highlighted the importance of place‑based collaboration, citing the success of projects in Liverpool and comparing them to the growing network across Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. The panel also featured senior business leaders and MP Anna Gelderd, who underscored the need for government policy that nurtures creative entrepreneurship.
Collectively, the partnership demonstrates that strategic collaboration between universities, industry and government can create a resilient, knowledge‑rich ecosystem. For example:
- A joint grant programme that supports small‑scale filmmakers to bring stories set in Cornwall to international festivals.
- Shared incubator spaces in Penryn and Falmouth for startups developing VR and AR experiences based on local heritage sites.
- Cross‑disciplinary workshops that bring together musicians, game designers and software engineers to co‑create immersive digital concerts.
Implications for Creatives, Entrepreneurs and Students
Anyone involved in the creative economy – be it a student, a freelancer, or an established media company – can leverage the momentum described at the conference. Here are actionable steps to take advantage of the Southwest’s evolving creative climate:
1. Enrol in Programs That Match Emerging Markets
Falmouth offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that tie directly to the industry’s growing sub‑sectors. Consider courses such as:
- MA Creative Technology – blends design, coding and data analytics to develop interactive media.
- BSc Game Development – focuses on industry‑ready production pipelines.
- BA Visual & Media – covers traditional art, storytelling and digital distribution.
These programmes partner with local studios for real‑time project work, ensuring graduates are job‑ready.
2. Tap into Research Partnerships
Universities often host research projects in collaboration with industry partners. Creative UK’s report highlights the role of academia in developing new technologies. Students and professionals can apply for grants or internships within:
- Simulation and VR labs that create heritage‑based learning experiences.
- Data‑driven marketing studios that analyze consumer engagement for local brands.
- Film‑production facilities that provide subsidised post‑production services to independent filmmakers.
Engagement can begin by contacting the university’s research liaison office or by attending open day events.
3. Build a Local Network
The power of place is evident – the region’s community of creatives thrives because of proximity and collaborative culture. Attend:
- Local industry forums where university researchers present findings and explore commercial opportunities.
- Networking mixers hosted by the Creative South West Alliance to meet peers and potential mentors.
- Open‑inspiration events such as “Film Festivals in the Forest” or “Game Jam Cornwall” that showcase local talent.
These engagements can pave the way to joint projects or co‑funding with local enterprises.
4. Secure Funding and Investment
The new “Creative Industries Growth Fund” announced by the government is specifically designed to support projects that generate employment and innovation. To apply, candidates should:
- Prepare a solid business plan that aligns with the fund’s criteria: measurable job creation, scalability, and social impact.
- Leverage university mentorship to refine the plan and access relevant case studies.
- Collaborate with creative partners to pool expertise and reduce costs.
Funding opportunities also exist through the Cornwall Angel Network, which supports early‑stage ventures. Exploring angel investment can accelerate product development and market reach.
What It Means for Local Economy & Culture
The parliamentary discussions around the conference indicated a shift toward recognizing cultural sectors as drivers of regional prosperity. The Southwest can now claim a substantive role in the UK’s Industrial Strategy, as the creative economy presents a scalable, export‑ready field that augments traditional strengths such as tourism and heritage.
For communities, this translates into increased employment opportunities, higher cultural visibility, and an enhanced capacity to attract further investment. For universities, it strengthens the case for ongoing public funding and collaborative research projects that benefit the public at large.
Action Plan for Stakeholders
- Policymakers: Allocate dedicated support funds for creative start‑ups and link them with universities.
- Businesses: Partner with universities to access talent, licensed research outputs and innovative solutions.
- Students: Engage with practical projects, internships and independent research that ties to industry.
- Creative Professionals: Build presence in the local ecosystem, leverage network events and apply for grants.
Future Outlook and Continuous Growth
Looking ahead, the creative economy in Cornwall is set to expand through:
- Integration of artificial intelligence in content creation.
- Expansion of digital distribution platforms focusing on regional narratives.
- Development of eco‑sustainable production practices, to meet growing climate demands.
- Expansion of the creative workforce through targeted education and reskilling programmes.
Stakeholders who act now can secure a share of this trajectory, positioning themselves as leaders in the next wave of creative innovation.
Take the Next Step – How to Get Involved
- Explore undergraduate creative programmes at Falmouth University and apply today.
- Discover postgraduate degrees that prepare you for the future of the creative economy.
- Contact the Falmouth University creative industry liaison to discuss research collaboration or internship opportunities.
- Attend a local creative network event or open day to connect with peers and industry leaders.
- Read our recent report on the Great South West creative sector to understand the regional growth drivers.
By acting now, you align with a region poised for sustained creative success and gain access to a vibrant, supportive community that can help you thrive.
