Creative UK has launched two new reports, exploring how a ‘Single Front Door’ for investment could unlock greater growth in the UK’s cultural and creative industries.

Referenced in the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, the proposed ‘Single Front Door’ is an industry-led initiative: a way for creative firms to access information on unlocking private investment alongside improved government signposting to resources.  

The aim is a holistic, joined-up approach to support founders and entrepreneurs to more easily access to finance – and to broaden connections with investors.

As noted in The Sector Plan, ‘Creative UK, the UK’s independent network for the Creative Industries, will lead work with industry to provide a clear and accessible pathway through which creative businesses and organisations, regardless of size, stage, or location, can navigate their investment options with confidence.’ 

As part of this Sector Plan commitment, Creative UK has now published two new reports to inform the proposed Single Front Door (SFD) development. The reports are based on research conducted with creative businesses, sector stakeholders and investors.

Key findings from creative businesses include: 

• The current landscape being too fragmented –a Single Front Door could support them to find the right funding; 
• Generic funding isn’t always sufficient for creative business models – more targeted support is needed; 
• Greater signposting would be welcome, as creative leaders ‘cannot search for funding when they do not know it exists’.

Key findings from the investors include: 

• A Single Front Door could provide better routing – directing creative founders to appropriate funds; 
• Specialist and targeted business development has value; 
• There is a role for greater signposting to appropriate funding for businesses.