Creative industries in Westminster are creating nearly £15bn for the economy, a report commissioned by Westminster City Council has revealed. The eight square miles of Westminster, which contains fashion, film, TV, radio and publishing companies, have been described as a ‘global centre of excellence' and placed on a par with Tokyo and New York. The economic output of the sector, which also covers music, new media, architecture and the arts, totals almost £2bn per square mile. According to the report, Westminster's creative economy employs 65,000 people, more than a tenth of its total workforce and the highest number of any London borough. Despite these strengths the sector faces a number of challenges, including rising property prices and increased global competition. Westminster has been urged to be more sympathetic to the sector through its planning policies.
