The Liverpool City Region’s local music sector has enjoyed “substantial returns” from targeted investment, according to a report examining its impact.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) provided a £2m Music Industry Development Programme, delivered by Liverpool City Council with the Liverpool City Region Music Board, and the report points to successful result in job creation, business growth, career options for young people, and strengthening Liverpool’s reputation as a world-leading music city.
The programme was launched in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and despite the impact that had on the music industry, the report found it exceeded its contracted targets, supported businesses through crisis and recovery, and created long-lasting opportunities across all six boroughs.
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The report, produced by the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Popular Music, states: “The programme clearly demonstrated that investment in the music sector yields substantial
returns, fostering economic growth (exemplified by the scalability of involved companies and a high business survival rate, with all funded enterprises remaining operational), strengthening the region’s brand and placemaking capabilities, and delivering significant social and cultural impact by nurturing skills, addressing deprivation, and advancing equity within the sector.
Examples from the report include Future Yard’s Sound Check, which has trained over 120 young people in live music skills and created paid pathways into work, and Michael Aldag, who used growth funding to record new music and rebuild his career after being dropped by a label — going on to play Reading and Leeds festivals.
Another recipient of funding was Red Rum Club, with the money helping the band travel to North America to support The Wombats on tour. From that, they have secured a US licensing deal with New York record label Avenue A and seen sharp increases in audience share, merchandise sales and social media engagement in America and Mexico.
Among the findings, the report notes the results of the programme include:
- 88 local businesses were supported with growth and export funding
- All of the funded businesses are still operational, with many expanding and creating new jobs
- More than 50 new full-time jobs have been created through Future Yard in Birkenhead
- 52 paid traineeships were delivered delivered, including placements with Ditto Music, Sentric and 24 Kitchen Street.
- More than 3,200 young people engaged in careers advice, training and events across Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Liverpool.
- Ring-fenced funding for was provided for Black Music Action Group projects, ensuring greater inclusion and diversity.
- New inward investment such as in Rough Trade, Boxpark, and 30 Century Management helped to establish operations in the region.
Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music and lead for the LCR Music Board, said: “This programme proved the power of investing in music. It helped businesses survive and grow, gave young people pathways into careers, and made sure opportunities were spread across the whole region – not just the city centre.”
As well as the success stories, the report not only also identifies challenges, areas for improvement, and recommendations to guide the future work of the Music Board and the £6.75m UKRI-funded MusicFutures Creative Cluster, ensuring sustained support for the sector.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said: “Liverpool City Region is proving how investment in culture drives economic growth. 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.
“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.”
