The Government should consider providing further support for business advice services delivered by council libraries, in response to a call for bespoke finance support for small creative organisations, the LGA has said.
Creative organisations have a higher appetite for growth than businesses in other sectors, but are four times more likely to face obstacles accessing finance, according to research from Creative UK, the independent network for the UK’s creative industries, and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Councils strongly support this call for bespoke finance support for smaller creative industries, which can drive local growth. The Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Network, run by the British Library and delivered through council library services, has a proven track record in supporting growth and development for small creative businesses and improving their access to finance.
“However, barriers still exist. The Government must consider further support for advice services such as the BIPC network, alongside bespoke options that help businesses to access finance and growth advice.”