Decision details

To consider approval for York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to lead an application to the DCMS Create Growth Programme to be designated one of six new areas providing targeted support for high-growth Creative Industries businesses from the York and North Yorkshire area. The programme will be delivered by York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, for whom North Yorkshire Council acts as Accountable Body.

Approval for YNY LEP to submit an Expression of Interest to the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Create Growth Programme.

The Create Growth Programme provides opportunity to develop the Creative Industries Sector in the York and North Yorkshire area, through DCMS grant which would enable targeted support for the sector to be developed. YNY LEP developed a strategy in 2023 to focus on six priority business sectors that have the potential for high economic growth across the York and North Yorkshire area, one of which is Creative Industries. Work was undertaken last year to analyse the local economy which has informed an evidence-based approach to maximise the existing assets and attributes of the region, and their potential to be developed - this application would enable the sector develop and support work to be taken forward on a significant scale for the benefit of businesses in York and North Yorkshire.

A similar EOI to an earlier round of this fund in summer 2023 was unsuccessful and did not proceed to full application, but positive feedback was received from DMCS, stating that future applications would be welcome. Current funding for YNY LEP and the YNY Growth Hub supports generic business support to be offered but does not enable targeted support. This opportunity would enable a bespoke business service to be develop targeted at Creative Industries, building on the existing business base for the York and North Yorkshire area.