A £2 million investment programme has significantly boosted the Liverpool City Region's music industry, creating new jobs, supporting local businesses, and providing career pathways for young people. A new report from the University of Liverpool details the success of the initiative, which was launched during the pandemic and has exceeded all its original targets.
The Music Industry Development Programme, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), has proven instrumental in the sector's recovery and growth. The investment has not only sustained businesses through a challenging period but also attracted new companies to the area, reinforcing Liverpool's status as a global music city.
Key Takeaways
- A £2m fund has created over 50 full-time jobs and supported 88 local music businesses.
- The programme delivered 52 paid traineeships and engaged over 3,200 young people in career development.
- Success has attracted new investment from major brands like Rough Trade and Boxpark.
- The initiative was launched in 2020 and exceeded its goals despite pandemic-related challenges.
- Findings will inform the future strategy for the region's £6.75m MusicFutures Creative Cluster.
Programme Delivers Economic Boost Amid Challenges
Launched in 2020 by Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Music Board, the Music Industry Development Programme faced the immediate challenge of the global pandemic. Despite this, the £2 million investment from the SIF has been a resounding success, providing critical support that helped the local music ecosystem to survive and ultimately thrive.
The comprehensive report, authored by the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Popular Music, outlines how the programme surpassed its contracted targets. It highlights the resilience of the sector and the effectiveness of targeted financial support. The findings serve as a blueprint for future investment in the creative industries, demonstrating a clear return on investment through economic growth and job creation.
What is the Strategic Investment Fund?
The Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) is a key part of the Liverpool City Region’s devolution deal with the UK government. It is a flexible fund designed to unlock economic potential by investing in projects that support growth, create jobs, and improve skills across the region's six boroughs: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.
Tangible Results Across the City Region
The impact of the funding has been felt across all six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region. The report, titled “Strategic Investment Fund for Music in Liverpool City Region: Its Implementation, Outcomes and Impacts,” provides a detailed breakdown of the programme's achievements. One of the most significant outcomes is the support provided to 88 local businesses through growth and export funding.
Crucially, all businesses that received funding are still operational today. Many have not only stabilised their operations but have also expanded, leading to the creation of new employment opportunities. This demonstrates the long-term viability of the investment and its role in building a more robust local economy.
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.”
Creating Jobs and Nurturing Future Talent
A primary goal of the programme was to create sustainable employment and training opportunities. The initiative successfully generated over 50 new full-time jobs through its partnership with Future Yard in Birkenhead alone. This venue has become a central hub for talent development on the Wirral, showcasing the programme's region-wide impact.
Furthermore, the scheme delivered 52 paid traineeships, offering young people invaluable hands-on experience in the industry. These placements were with established local music companies, including Ditto Music, Sentric, and the popular venue 24 Kitchen Street, providing a direct bridge from training to professional employment.
Programme Impact By The Numbers
- 88 local businesses supported.
- 52 paid traineeships created.
- 50+ new full-time jobs at Future Yard.
- 3,200+ young people engaged in career events.
- 120+ young people trained in live music skills at Future Yard's Sound Check.
Case Study: From Setback to Success
The report highlights individual success stories, illustrating the programme's direct impact on artists' careers. Local musician Michael Aldag received growth funding after being dropped by his record label. The financial support allowed him to record new music and rebuild his career independently.
This investment paid off significantly, as Aldag went on to perform at the prestigious Reading and Leeds festivals, gaining national exposure. His story is a powerful example of how targeted funding can provide a critical lifeline for emerging talent, enabling them to overcome industry setbacks and achieve their potential.
Fostering Inclusion and Attracting New Investment
Ensuring the music sector is inclusive and diverse was a core component of the programme. A portion of the funding was specifically ring-fenced for projects led by the Black Music Action Group. This dedicated support aimed to address historical inequalities and ensure that opportunities were accessible to all communities within the city region.
The programme's success has also enhanced Liverpool's reputation as a prime location for music businesses. The thriving local scene has attracted significant inward investment from major industry names. Renowned record store Rough Trade, food and entertainment venue Boxpark, and artist management company 30 Century Management have all established new operations in the region, bringing further jobs and economic activity.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, commented on the broader economic impact.
“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.”
Building on a Legacy for the Future
The insights and successes detailed in the University of Liverpool report are not just a reflection of past achievements. They will directly inform the next phase of strategic support for the region's creative sector. The recommendations will guide the future work of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and the newly established MusicFutures Creative Cluster.
MusicFutures is a major new project backed by £6.75 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It aims to build on the foundations laid by the SIF programme, further developing the region's music industry through innovation, technology, and talent development.
Councillor Wharton 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 full report is available to view online, providing a transparent account of the investment's outcomes and its lasting impact on Liverpool's world-famous music scene.