Access All AreasUK Music has welcomed the election of six new ‘metro mayors’ as an important opportunity to boost the music scene in each of its regions.
According to the umbrella body for all sectors of the commercial music industry, the appointments of the ‘metro mayors’ offer a chance for proper regional planning to strengthen the music sector, which attracts millions of people to the areas and provides thousands of jobs.
UK Music believes the new roles will enable a smoother planning and licensing process, which could help reverse the flow of venue closures in many parts of Britain.
Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music believes devolved powers should now also allow mayors to develop a cohesive music strategy to support music tourism, apply for arts funding and allow coordination across the area.
“London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s programme targeting growth in creative industries and the night-time economy is working. The new city mayors now have a fantastic opportunity to develop similar programmes for their regions,” said Dipple.
“One in 11 jobs are in the creative economy, while at the same time digitisation allows entrepreneurs and businesses to operate anywhere in the UK. Harnessing creative power in these regions will be incredibly powerful; for culture, for entertainment, for jobs and for the local economy.”
Elections for combined authority mayors have taken place in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Tees Valley (including Darlington and Middlesbrough), West Midlands and West of England (including Bristol and Bath). Those elected include long-time supporters of UK Music’s work, Andy Burnham for Greater Manchester and Steve Rotheram who won Liverpool City.