United Kingdom : The global benchmark for creative industries

Laurens Ehrmann, founder and creative director at The Yard, and Charles Chorein, Head of ArtFX London, discuss why the United Kingdom emerges as a global powerhouse in creative industries.

What makes the United Kingdom such a magnet for creative industries today?

To answer this question, Maddyness, the magazine for entrepreneurs and innovators, draws on the perspectives of two representatives of the French creative industries who chose to expand in the UK : Laurens Ehrmann, founder and CEO of The Yard VFX, and Charles Chorein, Managing Director of ARTFX London. Their experiences on the ground offer a unique, first-hand view of why the UK continues to attract global talent and investment across visual effects, animation, and beyond.

Selected by the British Embassy in Paris for their parallel expansion into London, their shared view on the appeal of the UK underscores a broader trend : international players are not only drawn to the UK market, but are embedding themselves within it to fully benefit from its opportunities.

You will find below key takeways from the full article published here.

The UK’s creative industries are experiencing remarkable growth, outpacing the rest of the economy and generating tens of billions in exports. This momentum is no coincidence—it reflects a long-standing national strategy that positions creativity as a core driver of economic power, with ambitions to become the world’s leading hub for creative investment by 2035.

For Laurens Ehrmann, who recently expanded The Yard VFX into London, the decision was clear. As he explains in the interview, three factors were decisive: London’s role as a global production hub, the concentration of highly experienced talent, and a favorable tax environment. His testimony highlights how policy and ecosystem combine to create tangible business opportunities.

Charles Chorein echoes this perspective from the education side. Leading ARTFX’s London development, he emphasizes the importance of proximity to industry: being physically present in London allows the school to align its training with the real needs of top studios. His insights reinforce the idea that the UK’s strength lies not only in production, but also in its ability to continuously develop world-class talent.

Both interviewees point to London as a uniquely dense and collaborative environment. This concentration of studios, artists, and post-production companies creates a powerful synergy that benefits the entire sector. Laurens Ehrmann notably refers to a “snowball effect,” rooted in early industry collaboration during major productions, which continues to attract large-scale projects today. Pointing to the future, Charles Chorein notes the growing demand for highly skilled professionals capable of mastering advanced technologies, including AI. Meanwhile, government-backed initiatives in research and development signal continued investment in innovation across all creative sectors.

Tax incentives are another key theme highlighted by both experts. From generous credits on production and visual effects to broader financial advantages for studios, these measures significantly enhance the UK’s attractiveness. Laurens Ehrmann stresses how these incentives help retain productions locally, strengthening the entire ecosystem.

Finally, both Ehrmann and Chorein stress the importance of integration for newcomers. Success in the UK requires more than just opening an office—it demands time, resilience, and active participation in the local network. Building relationships and credibility within the ecosystem is essential to unlocking its full potential.

Read the full article on Maddyness website here.

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