Liverpool City Region music sector worth £780 million and on track to become a £1 billion powerhouse

A landmark new report has revealed that Liverpool City Region’s music industry contributes £780 million annually to the economy, supports more than 14,000 jobs, and is on a clear trajectory to become a £1 billion sector by 2035.

The Liverpool City Region Music Economy: Toward a £1 Billion Sector is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of the region’s music industry. It paints a picture of a sector that is significantly larger, more productive and more globally competitive than previously understood.

Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its music industry development pilot, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council and builds on five years of sector development led by the Liverpool City Region Music Board. The research was delivered by partners at the University of Liverpool, a key academic and research partner within the region’s music ecosystem.

The findings reveal a music sector that far exceeds what national datasets currently capture. Through detailed analysis of registered businesses, freelancers and the wider “portfolio” workforce that defines today’s creative industries, the report shows a sector supporting more than 7,200 full-time equivalent jobs, generating £406 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and delivering a total annual economic impact of £780 million.

One of the UK’s leading music economies

Beyond the headline figures, the report highlights a distinctive and highly specialised music cluster with strengths in live performance, technical production and music rights administration.

The region is home to globally recognised music businesses and institutions including Sentric Music, Adlib Audio, Ditto Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, alongside a dense network of venues, studios, festivals, freelancers and micro-businesses that collectively power the local music economy.

Together, they position Liverpool City Region as one of the UK’s most significant music economies outside London.

A sector with room to grow

While the report celebrates the scale and success of the sector today, it also identifies significant opportunities for future growth.

Recommendations include strengthening artist value capture, expanding music business and management services, and accelerating music-tech innovation activity. Addressing these areas would help retain more value within the region and unlock further economic and cultural benefits.

Importantly, the report concludes that growing the sector to £1 billion by 2035 would require annual growth of just 2.5 per cent – below historic growth rates for the UK’s creative industries – making the ambition both realistic and achievable.

Sector leaders respond

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Music runs through this city region like a heartbeat — it always has. But this research shows it’s also a sophisticated, export-driven industry creating good jobs and powering growth right here, right now.

“The pathway to a £1 billion music economy is within reach, and this report sets out how we get there. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we’re committed to backing this world-class sector for the long term.”

Jon Collins, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and CEO of LIVE, said:

“Liverpool is rightly celebrated for its musical heritage and vibrant present, but for too long we’ve lacked the robust data to fully demonstrate the scale of the opportunity. This report changes that.

“Over the past five years, we’ve seen how targeted support can strengthen the sector’s foundations. There is significant headroom for growth, and with continued investment and coordinated action, we can unlock even greater economic and cultural impact.”

Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“This report underlines just how vital our music sector is – not just to Liverpool’s identity, but to our economy and future growth. From grassroots venues to global music businesses, we have a thriving ecosystem that supports thousands of jobs and attracts investment from around the world.

“We’re proud to work alongside partners across the city region to nurture this success. By continuing to back talent, innovation and infrastructure, we can ensure Liverpool remains one of the UK’s leading music cities – and a place where creativity drives opportunity for everyone.”

Read the report

The report provides a robust evidence base for future investment, planning and national policy engagement, reinforcing the case for music as a key driver of inclusive economic growth across Liverpool City Region.

LCR Music Economy Report 2026