Leading article: Creative capital

At a time of economic uncertainty and gloom about the decline of British exports and international influence, it is cheering to consider the creative career of JK Rowling.

The release of Part 2 of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows completes the sequence of eight films based on her seven novels and sets the seal on the Potter brand, now valued at £10bn.

In just 14 years Rowling, from a standing start, has established a global enterprise of books, films, games and now a new and innovative e-book website, Pottermore. In Harry Potter, Britain has its most potent cultural export since The Beatles.

Rowling's creativity – and her extensive philanthropy – deserve every honour.