Christopher BarrettAround 6,000 jobs, nearly 20% of the workforce, were lost in the grassroots venue sector last year, while 53% of venues were profitless, according to the Music Venue Trust (MVT).
While the grassroots music sector was found to contribute more than £500 million each year to the UK economy, MVT’s annual report, published today, illustrates a fragile ecosystem with venues operating on average profit margins of just 2.5%.
Despite the challenges, with millions of pounds committed to the LIVE Trust from forthcoming arena and stadiums shows, and the first grants due to be distributed to the grassroots sector this month, MVT CEO Mark Davyd told BBC News that he was “in a bizarrely optimistic position” after years of decline.
MVT’s report states that UK Government changes to National Insurance and Business Rates were responsible for the loss of the 6000 jobs, as venues struggled to meet unsustainable tax burdens.
It found that 30 venues had permanently closed in the past year, and 175 UK towns and cities no longer receive regular touring shows by professional artists.
Speaking at the report launch event in London, Davyd (pictured) outlined a plan of action that includes expanding its Venue Support Team and Emergency Hardship Relief Fund to help prevent avoidable closures. MVT said it will also invest £2 million into targeted programmes designed to permanently reduce costs and improve sustainability.
A key element of the plan is the development of Liveline, a funded national touring programme in partnership with Save Our Scene and Association of Independent Promoters, designed to address the root causes of the touring crisis.
The charity also stated that should a voluntary industry contribution mechanism fail to work by June, the UK government must legislate a statutory Grassroots Levy to secure sustained investment into the sector.
Davyd said the future of British music depends on stabilising and rebuilding the grassroots touring network: “The arrival of Grassroots Levy funding in 2026 will provide the opportunity to take a radical new approach and that is exactly what we intend to do. This is no longer just about rescue, it is about working with our partners and colleagues, including the crucial role to be played by the LIVE Trust, to deliver investment and reform that restores the infrastructure that music careers are built on.”
The Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025 can be viewed in full here.