Get ready for a boost in VR and XR innovation as Creative UK launches Fast Forward, a Barclays-sponsored growth program designed specifically for screen businesses. This comprehensive initiative aims to help established creative companies scale and grow sustainably, tackling real-world challenges through a combination of workshops, peer learning, and mentoring.
At the heart of this program is its mentorship model, where participating businesses are matched with industry veterans who offer tailored support in key areas such as leadership development, financial planning, and strategy refinement. The impressive lineup of mentors includes Aimee Bateman, Cecilia Thirlway, Martin Backlund, Sandra Tusin, Tim McSweeney, and Travis Baxter, all experts in their respective fields.
Creative UK’s Fast Forward program is the result of years of experience supporting hundreds of screen businesses, and its creators have distilled that knowledge into a practical and tailored approach. According to Kate Sanders, senior program manager at Creative Enterprise, growth isn’t just about increasing revenue – it’s also about building strong leadership, developing effective business systems, and laying the foundations for long-term success.
This new initiative is part of a larger effort by Creative UK to support the UK government’s plans to grow the country’s creative sector by £50 billion. In 2023, the organization launched a £35 million investment fund aimed at achieving this goal. Now, with Fast Forward, they’re providing screen businesses with the tools and expertise needed to take their projects to the next level.
The program is sponsored by Barclays and backed by BFI National Lottery funding, demonstrating the confidence that major industry players have in Creative UK’s vision for the future of creative industries. Applications are now open, with a deadline of September 14 – interested businesses can find out more about eligibility criteria and application information on the official site.
The launch of Fast Forward is excellent news for VR and XR enthusiasts, as it signals a new wave of innovation and growth in the industry. With its focus on sustainable growth and tailored support, this program has the potential to produce some truly groundbreaking projects that will push the boundaries of immersive technology even further.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-26