Could an Andy Burnham premiership bring a boost to the UK TV and film industry?
Amelia Macpherson, media and technology senior analyst at RSM UK, considers whether an Andy Burnham premiership could bring a nationwide boost for the film and TV production industry.
“The Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s new £10.5m Greater Manchester Production Fund announced last week aims to attract more television and film productions to the region. The fund will support both productions already based in Manchester and those willing to film, invest and create jobs across Greater Manchester.
“The initiative forms part of the wider ‘Good Growth’ programme announced by Andy Burnham in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester. This £2bn investment programme is intended to support a range of projects aimed at driving economic growth, investment and employment across the Manchester region.
“There is little doubt that Burnham has been a strong advocate for Manchester, building on the region's devolved powers, lobbying for greater autonomy, and helping to establish a stronger identity for Greater Manchester on the national stage. He has consistently argued that Manchester should be viewed as a genuine competitor to London for television and film production, and the new Production Fund is the latest example of that ambition translating into action.
“If Andy Burnham becomes the next prime minister, those within the film and TV production sector may see opportunities in having a prominent advocate for regional growth at the heart of government.
“Equally important, however, will be who succeeds him as Mayor of Greater Manchester. The production industry will be watching closely to see whether the next mayor maintains the same focus on the creative industries and continues to push for the investment, powers and policy support that have helped strengthen Manchester's position as one of the UK's leading media hubs.”