Industry Insights: Cross-city comparison of the media sector in 2023

This latest Industry Insights report presents the first cross-city analysis of the UK media sector based on 2023 data. Comparing Cardiff with leading creative cities such as Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Sheffield, and others, the study reveals how Wales’ capital has moved into the top cohort of UK media clusters.

Between 2017 and 2023, Cardiff’s media industries experienced exceptional growth with an 84% increase in the number of businesses and a 60% rise in R&D expenditure, the strongest growth rates across the UK. These findings highlight the tangible impact of place-based innovation programmes like Clwstwr and Media Cymru, which have driven new business creation, job growth, and innovation across the region.

This growth signals not only the strength of Cardiff’s creative ecosystem but also the importance of sustained investment in research, development, and innovation.

Read the report