Cultivating region-based music industry networks for long-term success
Sustainable Music Industry Clusters: A New Vision for North West England and West Yorkshire
A new approach to building sustainable regional music industry clusters in North West England and West Yorkshire is gaining momentum. The strategy, which focuses on improving infrastructure, connectivity, creative ecosystem support, and place-based economic growth, aims to foster a vibrant and innovative music scene in these regions.
Key initiatives include enhancing digital and transport infrastructure. Investments in full-fibre broadband and 5G coverage, as well as improvements to the Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester and local transit options, will support industry innovation and connectivity between rural and urban creative hubs. These improvements will also increase accessibility within regional clusters, fostering business growth and community engagement.
Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sectors is another crucial aspect of the strategy. Providing tailored advice and support for decarbonisation and climate adaptation will help enable sustainable business practices within the music and creative industries.
Fostering collaboration and innovation within creative clusters is also a priority. Encouraging partnerships and networks across the Northern Creative Corridor, including urban centres in North West England and West Yorkshire, promotes knowledge sharing, R&D, and cultural innovation. This aligns with broader regional growth and placemaking goals by leveraging existing creative strengths.
Place-based growth strategies for regional cities are also essential. Direct funding and incentives to improve office and cultural venue infrastructure will help establish attractive sites for creative businesses and talent. Emphasis on “place-making” enhances the vibrancy and economic potential of city centres as hubs for music industry activity.
While no single detailed policy document specific to regional music clusters was found, the synthesis of regional creative industry strategies, infrastructure investments, SME support, and place-based growth policies collectively suggests a multifaceted approach for sustainable music industry cluster development in North West England and West Yorkshire.
The UK's creative industries, including music, arts, technology, and design, have a global reach, being internationally recognized. However, the music industry in these regions, particularly North West England and West Yorkshire, is in a precarious position, with a local economy based on informal networks and less connected than the main UK music industry hub in London.
The report, authored by Dr Allan Watson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Loughborough University, suggests several policy initiatives to address these challenges. These include the creation of regional music business mentorship schemes, a regional music industry business-specific loan scheme, improving networking opportunities, the formation of a regional music export office, and developing the regional music infrastructure, particularly live music venues.
Despite the promising outlook, no information is provided about the potential impact of these policy initiatives on the overall economy or society. Furthermore, no information is provided about the challenges faced by the creative industries outside London and the greater South East, beyond the music industry in North West England and West Yorkshire, or the potential benefits or drawbacks of the suggested policy initiatives.
In conclusion, the strategy for sustainable music industry clusters in North West England and West Yorkshire presents an exciting opportunity to bolster the regional music scene, foster innovation, and support the growth of SMEs in the creative sectors. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential impacts and challenges associated with this approach.
