BUSINESSES in the creative industries are being offered extra support amid hopes they will help drive Hampshire’s economic recovery.

Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is offering bespoke support to the sector.

It says the industries can help the region bounce back quickly and create new jobs.

SJ Hunt, deputy chair of Solent LEP and chair of its business task force, said: “The creative industries are at the heart of the Solent’s economic recovery and our ambitions to create an environment where the visitor and cultural economy can thrive.

“I’m really pleased we’re able to offer a tailored approach so small operations in the creative sector can benefit from the Solent LEP’s valuable business support at a time when they are having to adapt like never before,” she added.

“The list of trades within the sector criteria is broad, from design, creative, entertainment, performing arts, broadcasting, software programming, computer games and publishing to name just a few, so please do get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.”

Nationally, the UK’s creative industries are believed to have the potential to create 300,000 new jobs by 2025 and contribute £132.1billion to the economy in gross value added.

This would mean them bouncing back faster than the wider economy and driving the UK’s recovery.

Solent LEP says the industries need greater flexibility in the criteria to qualify for small business support. It is encouraging businesses to explore how its local Peer Networks programme could help.

The Peer Networks programme has small cohorts working collaboratively through common business issues, discussing challenges and implementing practical solutions.

Solent LEP says groups are put together taking account of business competitiveness and sensitivities.

The national programme of peer-to-peer networking is delivered locally through the LEP and is aimed at SME leaders, managers and decision makers who want to grow and develop their organisation.

Full details are at solentlep.org.uk/solent-lep-peer-to-peer-network-1/