Billion pound sector to get official government recognition.
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group has promised to give Milton Keynes' thriving community of digital creators a stronger voice in Westminster, with successful local platforms standing to benefit from increased government support.
The new cross-party forum, co-chaired by former Digital Ministers Feryal Clark MP and Lord Ed Vaizey, was established following feedback from more than 10,000 UK creators who highlighted significant barriers to growth in the digital economy.
And Milton Keynes North MP Chris Curtis will take on an Officer role in the APPG, bringing valuable economic growth expertise to support the creator sector.
Milton Keynes has become a hub for content creation, with English teacher Lucy Earl building a global following through her language learning channel English with Lucy, while cycling content creator Cyclito has carved out a successful niche in the fitness and lifestyle space.
The creator economy now contributes over £2.2 billion to the UK economy and supports more than 45,000 jobs. But creators across Milton Keynes and the UK face limited access to skills training, funding opportunities and suitable studio spaces. Many also struggle with complex filming permit processes that can stifle creativity and business growth.
With Chris Curtis’ involvement as an Officer, Milton Keynes creators will have direct representation in the group's leadership structure. His experience with economic growth initiatives through the Labour Growth Group positions him well to champion the sector's contribution to local and national prosperity.
The Parliamentary group will work to address these challenges through regular dialogue between creators, platforms, and government representatives. This could mean improved support for Milton Keynes-based creators looking to expand their operations, access professional development opportunities, or secure filming locations across Buckinghamshire.
The group will focus on improving filming infrastructure, expanding skills and training programmes, and ensuring creators have proper representation in government consultations that affect their industry.
“I’m proud to be a founding member of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Digital Creators,” said Chris Curtis.
“Here in Milton Keynes, we’ve seen how innovation and creativity can drive growth, attract investment, and create opportunities for local people. The creator economy is a perfect example of that, already contributing billions to the UK economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
“This APPG will ensure that policymakers in Westminster properly recognise creators as the entrepreneurs they are, building businesses, exporting British culture around the world, and generating real value here at home. For communities like Milton Keynes, the creator growth story is about more than culture: it’s about jobs, innovation, and building the industries of the future.
“Through this group, we’ll focus on breaking down the barriers that hold creators back and making sure their full potential can be unlocked, for the benefit of local communities, and for the country as a whole.”
