New measures are being recommended to make the most of Liverpool’s UNESCO City of Music status.

The establishment of a Liverpool Music Office, based on the successful Liverpool Film Office, and a partnership with Apple Corps to strengthen the city’s Beatles links are among proposals.

The recommendations, which will be discussed at a special meeting hosted by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson in March, follows research of the city’s music scene by external sector experts.

If progressed, the Liverpool Music Office would aim to create a single point of entry for the music sector.

Meanwhile, a new Liverpool City of Music Board could be created to develop an overview of the music industry and develop a strategy for investment and development; and recommended engagement with Apple Corps relating to the heritage of The Beatles would aim to secure an agreement to use Beatles-related materials to optimise and build on the existing visitor offer in the city.

Liverpool’s music sector, incorporating live music events, production services, recording studios and music publishing, is said to generate a turnover of more than £100 million each year.

According to BOP Consulting, which has carried out in-depth research of Liverpool’s music scene alongside national and local music organisations, the city region is home to 341 music venues and attracts a live music audience of 937,000 each year, including 520,000 local visitors with the rest from elsewhere in the UK and overseas.

Live music is also said to account for 44% of music sector turnover in the Liverpool City Region, as opposed to the UK average of 23%, and 2,360 jobs are supported by the area’s music sector.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says: “We are generally very good at celebrating our musical heritage, but this is about recognising and exploiting the full potential of an important and flourishing economic sector.

“The city region continues to develop outstanding and innovative musical talent, but we have to develop the infrastructure that enables us to support our musicians, develop the sector and exploit its appeal to global visitors.

“It’s another area where we can grow our economy and build our international reputation by focusing on something where we have a unique and exceptional offer.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson adds: “When it comes to other UK cities, we stand out, and our UNESCO City of Music title is an acknowledgement of that. However we want to make the most of this sector and get an accurate picture of today’s music scene and understand what we can put in place to ensure it reaches its potential.

“This is the first time a report of this scale and detail has been undertaken, and working in partnership with creative experts is a significant step to achieving a city region-wide strategy which will invest and enhance all aspects of our music sector.

“Working with Steve will ensure this infiltrates across Merseyside and together we can build on the incredible legacy already in place to ensure Liverpool, and the wider region, remains a key player in the music industry – nationally and internationally.”

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