New Creative Trade Forum to champion UK creative exports

The organisation aims to bring government and industry together to convert UK creativity into commercial growth.

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, creative industries contribute more than £145 billion to the UK economy. The Creative Trade Forum (CTF) was launched to build on this success and help the sector win more business globally.

The Forum’s co-chairs, Edinburgh International Festival’s Francesca Hegyi and WPP’s Michael Frohlich, were joined by Blair McDougall, the UK’s Minister for Reindustrialisation, at its inaugural meeting at the Edinburgh International Festival. 

McDougall comments, “Through our Modern Industrial Strategy, we're doubling down on one of Britain's fastest-growing sectors and biggest success stories to boost good growth and jobs in every corner of the country, and cement our world-leading creative reputation."

Frohlich, co-chair of CTF and chief marketing officer at WPP, adds, “The countries that win over the next decade will be those that treat creativity not just as cultural capital, but as economic infrastructure. The Creative Trade Forum is about helping more British creative businesses compete, grow and win on the global stage."

The Forum’s identity was designed by WPP-owned brand design agency Landor.