UK Music CEO Michael Dugher with Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram

21/01/2019: Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, cemented the city region’s position as one of the world’s music capitals by revealing the members of the new Liverpool City Region Music Board.

The LCR Music Board, made up of 18 members and eight observers from across the music industry – including well-known figures such as Andy McCluskey of OMD and Peter Hooton from The Farm – will give music businesses and communities in the Liverpool City Region a stronger voice in local and regional decision making.

In 2018 UK Music CEO Michael Dugher announced the creation of the LCR Board alongside Steve Rotheram. UK Music has been actively involved in setting up the Board and will serve a member of the Board.

The LCR Music Board is set to consider five key priorities identified through the recent ‘Developing a Liverpool City of Music Strategy’ report to sustain, support and develop the music sector across the Liverpool City Region.

These priorities include safeguarding and protecting music venues, the growth of current and future music heritage, as well as developing the Beatles’ legacy, increasing access to music education, and engaging and developing new talent.

The LCR Music Board will work closely with all the Liverpool City Region local authorities – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. It will build on the success of Liverpool’s status as UNESCO City of Music and the recommendations made in the music strategy report, and will begin an open conversation with the music sector.

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

“I’d like to welcome everyone involved with our new Music Board, with their vast experience of the music industry, as they begin their work to co-ordinate efforts to safeguard and grow the Liverpool City Region’s music eco-system which is such a significant aspect of our culture and economy.

“Our city region’s musical reputation is known across the world and is integral to who we are. I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the new board as they work to ensure that we have the right environment to encourage new talent and build on that reputation in the future.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said:

“This is a region that stands out in the UK when it comes to music.

“This board will bring together music sector aficionados to see how we can all work together to celebrate our enviable legacy, and at the same time enhance the industry, develop a clear understanding of what changes need to be made and introduce new ways of thinking. This way we can make sure the city region remains a key player in the music industry – nationally and internationally.”

Michael Dugher, CEO of UK Music and LCR Music Board member said:

“I am delighted at the launch of the Liverpool City Region Music Board which I am confident will help nurture the region’s vibrant and diverse music scene.

“Steve Rotheram has played a pivotal role in setting up the board. His vision for every part of Liverpool City Region recognises the need to put creativity and culture at the heart of his strategy to boost jobs and economic growth.

“I am sure this new Music Board will help foster an environment that will help the City Region’s music industry build on the area’s brilliant musical heritage to bring on world-leading, future talent.

“The Music Board will get all the key players around the table to work together to help protect venues, promote talent and widen access to music to people from every background.””

Michael Eakin, Chair of Liverpool City Region Music Board said:

“The LCR Music Board will enable us to take a more strategic approach to developing, sustaining and growing music in the city region and to maximise its impact.

“Between now and April we will be considering what our five main objectives should be as we reflect the diversity of the industry and the communities of Liverpool City Region. I can’t wait to get started!”

Rebecca Ayres, Managing Director of Sound City and LCR Music Board member said:

“I am very much looking forward to taking my place on the Liverpool City Region Music Board.

“I am excited to consider how the Board can make a difference to the music industry and how we can facilitate, advocate and lobby those with power and influence in order to bring forth new talent and creativity which our region has on offer.”

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music said:

“The music board’s mission is to champion the city region’s music scene, protect and build upon its unique music heritage and increase engagement in music among all our communities. It will also consolidate and promote our status as a UNESCO World City of Music which is something we want to shout about as much as possible.”

The members of the Liverpool City Region Music Board are:

• Michael Eakin – CEO Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Chris Meehan – CEO Sentric Music/Director Boss Group Ltd
• Rebecca Ayres – Managing Director Liverpool Sound City
• Ian Thomas – Chair of LCR Music Education Alliance
• Steve Levine – Independent Music Producer
• Craig Pennington – Editor Bido Lito
• Matthew Flynn – Lecturer University of Liverpool (Music Industries)
• Paul Gallagher – Deputy Director Museum of Liverpool, NML
• Ben Williams – Commercial Director ACC Liverpool
• Andy McCluskey – Lead Singer Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
• Cath Hurley – Director/Artist Manager mostdeffo
• Hannah McKearnen – Independent Accessibility and Inclusion Advocate
• Yaw Owusu – Executive Manager THE PLAYMAKER GROUP
• Catherine Tackley – Head of Music University of Liverpool
• Alok Nayak – Artistic Director MILAPFEST
• Barbara Phillips – Artist Manager Positive Impact
• Anne Thwaite – Artistic Director Arabic Arts Festival
• Jennifer John – Creative Director, Music Manager – Sense of Sound Singers

Liverpool Music Board Observer Roles:

• Michael Dugher or Tom Kiehl – Representative from UK Music
• Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson – Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy
• Cllr Shelley Powell – LCRCA Deputy Portfolio holder for Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy
• Kevin McManus – Head of Liverpool UNESCO City of Music
• Peter Hooton – Chair Beatles Legacy Group
• Sarah Lovell – Lead Officer Culture – LCR Combined Authority
• Kelly Wood – Musicians’ Union representative
• Lord Dave Watts – Former MP and leader of St Helens Council