Over the past decade the population of Ealing has increased by 8.5 percent. This is higher than both the London and England rates over the same period and is expected to continue growing, especially in the towns of Southall, Acton and Ealing. Ealing is the third most ethnically diverse local authority in the country, with over 170 languages spoken and with 54 percent of the population identifying as being from ethnically minoritised backgrounds.

34.2 percent of all households in Ealing are classified as being deprived, with many of these households concentrated in areas of the borough (Northolt, Southall and Acton) which experience issues of severance in the borough. Overall, Ealing residents currently earn 9 percent less than the average Londoner, although earnings vary significantly across the borough with high concentrations of low income households in the West of the borough. There is an opportunity to further specialise in key growth sectors of digital/information and communication technology (ICT), film, television, manufacturing (linked to food manufacturing subsection) and logistics that are supported by the cultural and creative industries. This will require a deliberate focus on talent and inclusion on the cultural infrastructure agenda.

A gap in spaces to meet and network with other creatives was identified during sector engagement. This is particularly acute in the less-connected areas of Northolt and Perivale, where creative practitioners emphasised that they have little to no connection with other local artists.

For the film sector specifically, there are limited spaces for exchange and networking outside of ‘gated’ industry such as in studio facilities. Ealing Broadway is the go-to hub for younger people, so it will be vital to focus networking and exchange activities here, linking to the retail and experience economy. Existing networks such as The Hive at Garden Studios and ReelParkRoyal could act as anchors to build the network and support can focus on access an inclusion. North Acton and Old Oak provide new opportunities to expand these activities. In Park Royal, a permanent space for screen-based co-working, knowledge exchange and functions and events would increase the quality and dynamism of the cluster and could anchor the ReelParkRoyal network. Broader development issues— such as tailored business and management support, access to finance, affordable space etc.— all limit access to skills development. This is a particular issue for the micro enterprises and ‘hidden creatives’ across Ealing.

increase the quality and dynamism of the cluster and could anchor the ReelParkRoyal network. Broader development issues— such as tailored business and management support, access to finance, affordable space etc.— all limit access to skills development. This is a particular issue for the micro enterprises and ‘hidden creatives’ across Ealing.

There are significant skills gaps across the screen industries and the sector is not re-skilling to keep pace with the current or future need (e.g. to build capability to turn artificial intelligence (AI) into new creative and commercial opportunities). There are significant cultural and social barriers to skills, meaning the screen sector is not providing talent pathways for diverse communities. Key skills shortages across the supply chain include high end production, extended reality (XR), and animation. However, accountancy, law, management and logistics skills shortage also impact on film as key sub-strata activities. A few initiatives are currently seeking to fill these gaps, including Film London and Screenskills. There is an opportunity to provide the fit-for-purpose spaces needed for these activities.

There are also clear gaps in sustainability-specific research and upskilling. Film London's Exhibitors Network has a training programme plus is a key pillar for funding guidance. Park Royal was identified in engagement as a potential West London hub for a sustainable screen sector, with skills programmes, circular economy resources and facilities for recycling and upcycling in the screen sector.

Establishing well-compensated, stable jobs and apprenticeships will be pivotal for garnering favourable community support for any new music venues. The launch of a venue presents opportunities for community members, but will require a focus on securing long-term positions in an industry characterised by its unstable nature and seasonality. This might be supported by launching apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with local organisations.