A council boss has praised the role of the creative industries in providing jobs.

Alan McCarthy, chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council, said one in five businesses in the city was in the creative industries and they employed a significant number of local people.

His comments follow the Brighton and Hove Business Awards on September 1 at Brighton Racecourse, where Brighton-based TV and film production company Seventh Art Productions was given an award for its contribution to the city's economy.

Mr McCarthy, who gave out the award, said: "Presenting an award for creative industries as part of the city-wide business awards helps highlight the fact that they are a key part of the city's growing economy. One in five businesses in the city are in the creative industries and they account for an estimated ten per cent of all jobs."

Almost 500 people from 150 of the city's top businesses attended the awards event with Mayor Bob Carden as guest of honour. The winners were announced by Channel 4 anchorman Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Councillor Sue John, who was one of the judges, said: "The award recognises the significant creative talent we have among a large section of the business community."

For more information about council support for creative industries, go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/business
Wednesday, September 14, 200