A major new report says the Liverpool City Region music industry supports more than 14,000 jobs and contributes £780 million each year. Researchers say the sector could grow to £1 billion by 2035.
For generations, the music industry has been a fundamental component of Liverpool's regional identity, extending beyond its famed performers to include a vast network of local venues, recording studios, and dedicated technical professionals. While these cultural contributions have long been recognized, a new report from the University of Liverpool underscores the sector's vital role as a primary economic engine for the city.
According to researchers, the study represents the most extensive analysis ever conducted on the region's music industry. The findings reveal a robust sector that significantly bolsters the local economy, contributing approximately 780 million pounds annually. Beyond its financial output, the industry supports more than 14,000 jobs within the region. Further investigation into the sector's performance indicates it generates 406 million pounds in gross value added and sustains over 7,200 full-time equivalent roles. Compared to the average United Kingdom city, Liverpool possesses more than twice the concentration of music businesses, performance venues, and specialized creative talent.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool, emphasized that the data illustrates how music serves as both a cultural cornerstone and a sophisticated, export-driven industry that actively drives employment and economic expansion. John Collins, a member of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, noted that the research offers concrete evidence of the sector's scale and highlights key opportunities for ongoing development. The report concludes with an optimistic outlook, suggesting that the Liverpool City Region has a realistic trajectory to achieve a one-billion-pound music economy by 2035.
