Written - Creative Industries Review

In response to the call by the Communities and Culture Committee for an independent review of the Welsh Assembly Government's activities involved in the field of the creative industries, we have acted swiftly and have invited Professor Ian Hargreaves to undertake the review. Professor Hargreaves has accepted our invitation.

Professor Hargreaves will be seconded part time from his current position as Strategic Communications Director for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Prior to working for the FCO, Professor Hargreaves was an Executive Director of Ofcom. The Welsh Assembly Government will second an official to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office while Professor Hargreaves undertakes this valuable work for us.

Professor Hargreaves has a wealth of highly relevant experience to enable him to undertake a thorough and incisive review. He has been Director of Corporate and Public Affairs at BAA plc, Editor of the New Statesman and Independent, Deputy Editor of the Financial Times, Director of BBC News and Current Affairs and Board member of Ofcom. He has also been the former Chairman of Demos, a member of the Chancellor's Social Investment Task Force, a former Director of Greenpeace UK and of the South Maudsley NHS Trust.
 
The review will involve, amongst other things: a broad exercise of market sizing; the market opportunity for Wales for all segments of the creative industries sector; consideration of the Welsh Assembly Government's internal and external linkages; skills; and a review of the IP Fund. The review will also consider the recommendations and implications of the UK Government's 'Digital Britain' report for the Welsh Assembly Government's policy in relation to broadcasting and the Creative Industries. (The full Terms of Reference are enclosed for information.) Professor Hargreaves' insight will enable Wales to derive the most benefit from this vital sector. 

We expect to be able to report to the Assembly on the findings of the review and our response early in the New Year.