Boost for UK creative industries as SXSW London kicks off

02 June 2025 - Press release

 

• London will host the first ever European SXSW next week [2-7 June], showcasing the world's best innovators in tech, film and tv, music and creativity in a major vote of confidence in the UK's investment environment.

• As a partner of SXSW, the Department for Business and Trade's UK House will be making its debut at SXSW London 2025, opening its doors and bringing the best of British creativity to connect with potential investors and buyers, creating unique collaboration opportunities in the UK and across the world. 

• The programme includes panel sessions, interactive showcases and networking events at UK House. Speakers throughout the week include Spotify, TikTok, Aardman, Ozwald Boateng, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Rochelle Humes, Warner Music, the V&A and M+C Saatchi.  

• On Monday [2 June], Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas will attend a VIP dinner with senior representatives from the business and investment community, where he will emphasise the UK's strength in the creative economy and encourage international partnerships with global investors to help foster innovation and economic growth.

• The creative industries are truly a global innovation driver, offering huge potential for British business and companies around the world. Our world-class University and Higher Education ecosystem underpins the creative industries sector on the global stage, with £6.5 billion spent on R&D in the sector in 2022.  

• The UK is already the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – and the UK's modern Industrial Strategy will provide investors with the competitive and dynamic environment they need to need to thrive by securing access to key markets for collaboration and expansion in areas like screen production, animation and design. 

  

Business  and Trade  Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 
"Our creative industries are a powerhouse of global innovation and it's a real vote of confidence in the UK that SXSW has chosen us as its first ever European location, reflecting our position as a truly global destination to do business.  

"With creative industries being identified as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, we're not only helping to attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK, backing our Plan for Change."