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Ukie says UK games industry still "open for business"

Determined words from trade body post Brexit vote.

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Last week UK trade body Ukie held their annual Westminster Reception. During this week of discussions CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE spoke encouraging words explaining to the sector that the UK is still "open for business."

The events spanning the week were attended by 250 members of the games industry and more than 20 parliamentarians. Westminster was taken over by the creative industries to discuss various issues including the UK industry's position post Brexit.

Dr Twist made a speech where she called out for parliamentarians to confirm that gaming remains at the top table of ongoing negotiations. The industry is continually making jobs and is a huge part of the UK's creative sector.

Dr Twist also spoke about the Create Together strategy, which was launched on Monday by the Creative Industries Council. This has been implemented to highlight the strength of the UK games industry including the sector's innovation, geography, and exports.

Also to speak was John Whittingdale MP. He discussed gaming's influence on the creative industries and how it has been a cornerstone of great success:

"The games sector, and the wider Creative Industries that it is a part of, are one of the UK's greatest success stories.

"That success is built upon the extraordinary talent which exists in this country, an amazing cultural heritage, the English language and a tax system designed to support and encourage growth in the creative sector.

"None of this is changed by the UK's decision to leave the EU and I am confident that our creative industries will continue to thrive and take advantage of the new opportunities which are opening up to do business across the world."

To round off the week there was a cross-party Parliamentary debate on the creative industries in the UK. Ukie provided evidence as Secretariat for the Video Games All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Co-Chair of the APPG for Video Games, Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington said: "Parliament needs to truly champion games as a mainstream creative tech industry right across the UK, and funding should equitably recognise the sector as such."

He also addressed a concern that had been brought up by DR Twist, referring to tax breaks. He called out for the government to provide assurances for tax breaks, saying: "Video games tax credits have been a major boost for businesses both locally and nationally and I urge the Government to extend the policy beyond the current period, particularly in light of our upcoming exit from the EU."

Tax Relief has been a concern for those in the video games industry for a while now, particularly with the Brexit decision. Before the referendum Ukie published a survey which revealed that that main concerns were access to investment, trade, talent and funding programmes if the UK voted to leave the EU.

Ukie has announced that they will be doing a follow up survey, which will allow them to have a better insight into what needs to be done in post-Brexit UK.

Ukie says UK games industry still "open for business"
Picture via Facebook. // Ukie


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