The UK Screen Investment Programme (UKSIP) 2026 is now officially underway, following the first Steering Group meeting of the year held at the British Film Institute (BFI).
Delivered by White Label in partnership with the Hertfordshire Growth Board, the programme returns at a pivotal moment for the UK’s screen sector. With production activity rebounding, global competition intensifying and greater focus on skills, innovation and sustainability, UKSIP provides a year-round platform to align industry, investors, government and regions around shared priorities and practical outcomes.
The programme focuses on areas central to the sector’s long-term success, including capital investment, studio infrastructure, skills development, artificial intelligence and greener production.
UKSIP continues to bring together organisations committed to supporting the growth of the UK’s globally significant screen sector.
Confirmed partners to date include Hertfordshire Growth Board, University of Hertfordshire, McLaren Construction Group, Opportunity Hounslow, Trowers & Hamlins and Marlow Studios.
The UK’s screen sector is a major national asset, contributing more than £17.4 billion to the UK economy and supporting approximately 300,000 jobs. Beyond film and television production, its impact spans gaming, immersive technology, music, tourism and esports – making it one of the country’s most dynamic and interconnected growth sectors.
Recent programme activity has already brought together senior leaders from across the industry.
A Local Authority & Studios Group meeting at Elstree Studios convened representatives from local authorities, studio operators and industry partners to discuss coordinated investment, regional promotion and stronger data capture across the sector. The session was hosted by Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of Elstree Studios, and chaired by Paul Serkis, McLaren Construction Group.
Discussions focused on developing a clearer national narrative for the UK’s studio clusters and ensuring regional strengths are fully represented within an increasingly competitive global market. Participants also explored practical next steps for strengthening collaboration and turning strategic discussion into delivery.
UKSIP partners were also represented at MIPIM in Cannes, contributing to a UK Cities & Partners roundtable exploring how sports venues, cultural districts and studio assets can act as catalysts for regeneration and long-term investment.
Participants included representatives from Hertfordshire County Council, Trowers & Hamlins and Opportunity Hounslow. The session examined delivery models, infrastructure requirements and partnership structures that can unlock large-scale investment in creative industries infrastructure.
The conversation coincided with Opportunity Hounslow’s launch of its Golden Mile Investment Vision, a 15-year plan to transform the Great West Road into a Creative Tech Innovation District, delivering up to 14,000 homes, 25,000 jobs and around £5 billion of investment.
The UK Screen Investment Programme will continue its national engagement throughout the year, including activity at UKREiiF in Leeds this May.
Partners will host a roundtable and drinks reception bringing together senior figures from cities and regions championing the screen ecosystem, alongside partners from the investment and real estate sectors – including developers, agents, architects, contractors and related infrastructure providers.
The event will provide an opportunity to discuss investment, growth and collaboration across the sector, while strengthening connections between industry, places and investors.
Activity throughout the year will culminate in the UK Screen Investment Summit, the flagship gathering bringing together investors, studio operators, policymakers and industry leaders to explore the future of the UK’s screen sector.
Tickets for the summit are now live with a super early bird rate of £325 available until 24 April, after which early bird tickets will be priced at £375. A public sector rate of £325 will remain available throughout the campaign.
Book now to secure the best rate.
The UK Screen Investment Programme is designed for organisations and individuals with a strategic interest in the future of the UK screen sector, including investors, developers, studios, local authorities, policymakers and innovation partners.
Organisations interested in collaborating or partnering with the programme are encouraged to get in touch.
To find out more about the UK Screen Investment Programme 2026, visit: https://screeninvestment.co.uk/
