From gaming and immersive tech to digital design and creative AI, the UK’s digital creative industries are where technology and storytelling meet. This sector is not only a hub of innovation but is officially recognised as one of the government’s eight priority Industrial Strategy sectors (the IS-8) – central to driving growth, creating jobs, and strengthening the UK’s global position.
Despite their scale and impact, traditional classifications still struggle to capture the sector in its entirety. That’s why we’ve built a Real-Time Industry Classification (RTIC) to provide a clearer, up-to-date view of who’s active in this space, where they’re based, and how they’re performing. RTICs are dynamic, machine-learning classifications that identify companies by what they actually do, rather than relying on outdated codes or assumptions.
In this blog, we share the latest data from the Digital Creative Industries RTIC. Alongside this, we’ve mapped all eight IS-8 sectors using both SICs (including RSICs) and RTICs – enabling a more accurate, side-by-side view of sectors through both traditional and modern lenses.
What are Digital Creative Industries?
Digital Creative Industries are sectors that combine creativity, technology and digital tools to produce content, experiences and products. They include industries like gaming, digital media, animation, virtual production, immersive technologies (like VR/AR), creative AI, visual effects, and digital design.
Unlike traditional creative sectors, these industries are built on digital platforms and often use advanced technologies like real-time rendering, motion capture, and generative design. They’re central to everything from entertainment and advertising to education, marketing and the metaverse.
At their core, digital creative industries bring together artistic talent and tech innovation – making them one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-evolving economic areas.
RTIC summary
The Digital Creative Industries RTIC captures over 21,000 companies contributing £33.5 billion in turnover and employing more than 140,000 people across the UK.
The data suggests the sector is growing rapidly, with an estimated annual growth rate of 9.1 percent and a total GVA contribution of £12.2 billion. GVA per employee stands at just under £70,000, indicating strong productivity.
Private investment in the sector has reached nearly £2 billion across 394 companies, while £112 million in Innovate UK funding has supported over 330 grant projects. The RTIC also highlights representation, with over 4,300 women-founded and 3,600 women-led companies, and 12,732 women in director roles.
International activity is visible, with over 1,000 companies reporting import data and 646 engaged in exports. This RTIC offers a real-time, comprehensive view of a fast-evolving and economically significant part of the UK’s creative and tech landscape.
High growth company spotlights
Electric Group
Electric Group is a privately owned UK music‑venue operator founded in 2013, originating from the transformation of the former Brixton Fridge into Electric Brixton a now-renowned music venue in London.
Over the years, it has expanded its footprint by acquiring and revitalising iconic locations such as SWX in Bristol (2017), NX in Newcastle (refurbished and relaunched in September 2022), and the Leadmill in Sheffield.
The company remains rooted in its local communities while hosting a wide range of live and club events that attract both major names and up‑and‑coming artists.
It’s best estimate growth percentage per year is +395% and estimated turnover is £14,684,925.
Immersive Everywhere
Immersive Everywhere brings major entertainment brands to life through award-winning live productions that invite audiences to step into their favourite stories.
Their portfolio includes standout experiences such as Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Doctor Who: Time Fracture, and The Choir of Man, which continues to delight West End crowds. Their work spans over 11 countries, has drawn around 250,000 attendees, and consistently earns rave reviews – averaging 4.8 stars across productions.
The Everywhere Group sits within the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector and operates across a range of creative and technology-driven activities.
SIC/RSIC activities include:
- Performing arts (90010) – Producing and delivering live, immersive shows.
- Support activities to performing arts (90020) – Providing technical, creative, and operational support for productions.
- Artistic creation (90030) – Developing original content and concepts for both live and media formats.
- Television programme production (59113) – Producing TV-related material connected to their stage work or brand partnerships.
RTIC activities place them in:
- Advanced Screens – Using AR/VR and spatial computing in entertainment to create immersive audience experiences.
- Digital Creative Industries – Working across gaming, visual arts, and performing arts.
- Immersive Technologies – Employing 360° media and interactive formats to deepen audience engagement.
They bridge live entertainment, creative content production, and immersive technology, blending stagecraft with cutting-edge digital experiences.
Want to discover more?
With The Data City, you can explore over 21,000 Digital Creative companies in real time – with accurate classifications, funding data, location mapping and growth insights.
Sign up for a free trial and see the data for yourself today.
Please note: The data from The Data City is accurate at the time the article was written but may change over time due to the dynamic, real-time nature of our data. For the latest insights, visit our platform.
