A new report has revealed significant growth in Liverpool’s music sector.
The Liverpool City Region Music Industry Development Programme was launched in 2020 and, according to a press release, has “transformed the region’s music sector”.
Becky Ayres, MD, Sound City and deputy chair of LCR Music Board, told Music Week that the impact is “fantastic to see”.
“The creation of a plethora of jobs, traineeships and opportunities for young people, plus the ring fencing of support and resource for Black music-led initiatives and marginalised groups demonstrates how much this type of strategic funding can do with a music board led approach and how it can attract inward investment and major UK projects like Music Futures,” added Ayres, who is being inducted onto the Roll Of Honour at the Music Week Women In Music Awards this week.
“There is much more to be done but this is an important milestone in Liverpool's journey and its standing as the world capital of pop music," she said.
The £2m programme was funded through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) and delivered by Liverpool City Council with the Liverpool City Region Music Board.
This is an important milestone in Liverpool's journey and its standing as the world capital of pop music
Becky Ayres
The scheme also laid the groundwork for the award of £6.75m to MusicFutures, a UKRI Creative Cluster designed to establish Liverpool as a “global hub for music research, development, and innovation”.
Jon Collins, chair of LCR music board and CEO of LIVE, hailed the report’s findings.
“This report clearly shows the power of strategic public investment to deliver lasting change for the music sector,” he said. “The Liverpool City Region has demonstrated what can be achieved when government, industry and local partners work together around a shared vision.”
Collins added: “Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we’ve seen businesses grow, jobs created, young people supported into careers, and greater diversity across the ecosystem — all of which strengthens the UK’s live and recorded music infrastructure as a whole.”
“As both chair of the LCR Music Board and CEO of LIVE, I see this as a model for how targeted, long-term investment can underpin the national Creative Industries Sector Plan, ensuring that music continues to thrive in every part of the UK.”
The Liverpool City Region has demonstrated what can be achieved when government, industry and local partners work together
Jon Collins
“Liverpool City Region is proving how investment in culture drives economic growth,” said councillor Mike Wharton, deputy mayor and cabinet member for Business, Investment and Trade.
“We’ve built a thriving music ecosystem that is creating jobs, nurturing talent, and strengthening our global reputation as one of the world’s greatest for music,” he added “We’re creating opportunities for the next generation, making sure that our area isn’t just a place with a rich musical history, but a global leader in the music of the future.”
The SIF supported 88 businesses, 86% of which sustained or expanded their operations.
The report also highlighted the creation of over 50 new full-time jobs through Future Yard’s programmes alone. It also said that more than 3,200 young people engaged in music careers advice, training and placements via Sound City and the scheme’s Music Education Hubs.
The data highlighted further key findings including the delivery of 52 paid traineeships delivered, with many leading to permanent roles with businesses including Ditto Music, Sentric and more. Twenty four percent of funds were ring-fenced for Black Music Action Group initiatives, supporting underrepresented and marginalised groups.
The report also pointed to Rough Trade, Boxpark, 30 Century Management and ICMP establishing bases in Liverpool.
Artist case studies featured in the report include Pixey and Red Rum Club.
Kevin McManus, head of UNESCO city of music, said: “This programme has been transformational. It gave our sector a lifeline during its most difficult period and created the conditions for innovation, growth and inclusivity. Without it, Liverpool City Region would not have secured the MusicFutures Creative Cluster award.”
FOLLOW 
