RESEARCH REPORT
10 Years On: The UK Creative Industries Since the Referendum
The 2026 WallsMan Creative Report
An analysis of official DCMS, HMRC and UK Government data on how creative industries output, jobs, trade, funding and tax reliefs changed between the 2016 EU referendum and 2026.
- 15 pages
- 6 annual charts
- 14 official sources
- Free PDF
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Why download the UK Creative Industries Report?
Leaving the EU changed how UK creative businesses trade, hire and get funded.
The official data sits across three government departments and a decade of revisions. This report brings it together, so you can see what changed, where the growth is and what it means for your next move.
See where the growth really is
Creative output grew 19.7% in real terms between 2019 and 2024, against 4.4% for the UK economy. Find out which subsectors drove it.
Understand the Brexit effect on trade
Goods exports fell sharply after the single market exit while services grew every year. See the annual figures behind the headlines.
Follow the money
From the lost Creative Europe funding to the £380m Sector Plan and new regional growth funds, see what support exists for creative businesses now.
Plan with confidence
Four practical implications for creative businesses, from funding readiness and tax credits to exporting and opportunities outside London.
What's inside
A clear, referenced analysis of the sector our clients work in, with practical takeaways for anyone running a creative business.
Output and jobs, year by year
Annual output and employment series from 2011 to 2025, with the subsectors driving growth and where the jobs are.
Trade after the single market
Goods and services exports for every year from 2018 to 2023, and how the creative share of UK trade has shifted.
Funding and tax reliefs
Every major programme from 2018 to 2027, plus the £2.40bn of creative industries tax reliefs broken down by relief.
What it means for your business
Practical implications for creative businesses, with full method notes, the underlying data and every official reference.
£145.8bn
Creative industries output in 2024, 5.5% of the UK economy
Source: DCMS, February 2026
2.46m
Creative industries jobs in 2025, up 17.3% on 2019
Source: DCMS, July 2026
£2.40bn
Creative tax reliefs and credits paid in 2023 to 24
Source: HMRC, August 2025
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Explore more from WallsMan Creative
Put the report into practice with our free guides and services for creative businesses.
GUIDE
UK Funding Opportunities
Grants, loans and schemes available to creative businesses across the UK, and how to apply.
KNOWLEDGE HUB
Tax Reliefs & Credits
How the creative industries reliefs work for film, games, theatre, orchestras & exhibitions.
SERVICE
Get Investment Ready
Forecasts, investment packs and advance assurance to help your business secure funding.