The culture secretary has said charities are among the industries that need to be “the beating heart” of the government’s renewal plans. 

Speaking at an event in Manchester bringing together leaders from the industries under her brief, including civil society, sport, media, youth and the arts, Lisa Nandy said theirs were “sectors that are some of our economy’s most powerful engines of growth”. 

In her maiden speech since being appointed culture secretary earlier this month, Nandy said: “Yours are exceptional sectors that fly the flag for British values and give us soft power abroad.

“You produce a cultural dividend that benefits our whole economy and gives us an advantage in the global economy.”

But she said the country was “only scratching the surface of our true potential”. 

She said: “We are sitting on a cultural goldmine. And that’s why our sectors need to be the beating heart of this government’s national growth mission.”

Nandy also told attendees at the event: “I know all of your organisations are in dire need of certainty and many of you face real, intractable challenges.”

But she said: “I believe there’s nothing we cannot achieve when we work together. 

“My ministerial team and I will be doing everything in our power to ensure our sectors are the beating heart of this mission-led government.”

Responding to Nandy’s comments, Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “Charities aren’t just a force for good, they’re also a force for growth. 

“Our sector is a major employer that makes a vital contribution to the UK economy – adding an estimated £200bn, including the value that our army of amazing volunteers bring. Whether it’s through our sector’s work on housing, skills, health or education, to name a few, the incredible range of services charities deliver help broaden opportunities, support more people into work, and enable society to be more economically active. 

“Through early collaboration with charities, government can help even more people live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, while also achieving its mission of growing a sustainable economy that works for all.”