Chloe welcomes news that digital businesses moving from strength to strength

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North has welcomed the news that the import and export of services from the cultural, digital, and creative sectors have risen steadily since 2010.

 

New figures published today show that digital, creative and cultural businesses are exporting £46.4 billion worth of services worldwide, up from £28.8 billion in 2010 – an increase of over 60 per cent under the Conservatives. 

 

Exports from the digital sector alone are now worth £39.1 billion, up 70 per cent from £23 billion in 2010.  This shows that our work to place our digital industry at the forefront of global developments and enable Britain’s businesses to take advantage of all the opportunities presented by a changing economy is succeeding.

 

Commenting, Chloe said: “Since 2010, we’ve extended the availability of superfast broadband to over 95 per cent of homes and business, improved mobile 4G coverage across the UK, and provided new tax reliefs for digital businesses. These measures are making it easier for families to use the internet and creating new jobs. The statistics show that our support for businesses is making a real difference, but we know there is more to do. That’s why we committed over £1 billion to accelerate the development of next generation digital infrastructure.

 

“This is good news for businesses in Norwich as we move into a more digital economy. The cultural, digital and creative industries have a huge role to play in the UK’s economy, now making up nearly a fifth of our service exports, and will continue to play a crucial role after Brexit.

 

“Our modern Industrial Strategy will ensure this continues, as we deliver a highly-skilled and competitive economy that benefits people throughout the UK.”

 

Chloe has recently held a Brexit themed roundtable with local representatives of the digital technology sector and fed back their views to the Brexit Minister. Details of this letter can be found here.