‘This is Manchester, we do things differently here' is a quote often attributed to the iconoclastic Tony Wilson. Whether this man of many things ever said it is a matter of some debate. Regardless, the apocryphal quote sounds credible as it summons up the late 20th century Madchester moment. Then, the city's music, fashion and cultural movements that Tony Wilson made a significant contribution to made Manchester the cultural capital of the UK. This was quite against the odds for a city that was otherwise perceived to be on a post-industrial decline.
The quote also carries with it the same sensibility that enabled Andy Burnham this year to be catapulted from Mayor of Greater Manchester to Prime Minister, and could equally be attributed to him. By carefully aligning himself with the ‘Manchester Spirit' (collectivist community values with an individualist, entrepreneurial drive) Andy Burnham has dangled the possibility of a new approach to politics and achieved the highest office in the process.
While the new Prime Minister's in tray is overflowing, inspired by his experiences in Greater Manchester a major devolution of powers from central government appears central to Andy Burnham's political project.
Such a radical shift in the way the country is run will have profound impact on our £8bn music industry, which generates exports of £4.8bn, employing 220,000 people. It could also fundamentally change how talent is discovered and businesses developed as the sector finds new ways to interact with cities, towns and communities across England.
Just as 21st century ‘Manchesterism', the phrase used to describe Andy Burnham's political philosophy, could be seen as an update of the 19th century social reform movement of the same name, does the music industry now need to redefine its own form of ‘Madchesterism' in response?
The case for music being central to the Government's devolution agenda is compelling. Music drives economic growth across the nations and regions, turning creativity into jobs, businesses and investment. Music tourism as a result of concerts and festivals alone generated £11.2bn last year, with a 26% rise in international visitors. Strong ecosystems revitalise high streets, boost footfall, build community identity and attract visitors, with 73% of overseas tourists citing the UK's cultural offer as their main reason for coming. Vibrant cultural environments also help places attract and retain skilled workers, supporting wider economic growth.
The window to shape devolution is small, with a government White Paper expected in the autumn on the back of the ‘Rewiring the State' policy statement from earlier in the summer. As a sector we therefore need to get into the devolution debate to ensure that any government proposals support continued growth in our world leading sector.
To this end, UK Music has commissioned Groundwork Research to deliver ‘Devolution Amplified'. This research paper, published to coincide with the 2026 party political conference season, is intended to stimulate discussion amongst the music industry, politicians, local leaders and opinion formers about what devolution could mean for the sector and how far it could potentially go.
At the heart of the Government's current thinking is a fundamental shift in power, funding and accountability away from Westminster and Whitehall to directly elected mayors and strategic authorities. ‘Devolution Amplified' highlights a number of ways the music industry is already engaging at this level. This includes work to create Music Boards, establish Music Offices and inclusion within Local Growth Plans, as well as strategies around skills, education, transport and infrastructure. The challenge however is that the practice remains uneven, with the extent to which strategic authorities support the music industry varying considerably. The research makes clear the next phase of devolution is an opportunity to not treat music simply as a cultural asset, but as part of the economic, social and physical fabric of local communities.
Building on the powers recently conferred on strategic authorities which gave them a formal competency on culture, ‘Devolution Amplified' sets out five specific principles for these authorities to take forward – (1) give music a voice at the mayoral table, (2) understand the local music industry and build the capacity to act on that understanding, (3) give places the tools to act, (4) build the music workforce and (5) create the conditions for music to thrive.
Whether it is a festival, studio, venue, rehearsal room, music business, education institution or creative community, everywhere has some form of musical asset. While Manchester may very well do all these things differently, the music industry is uniquely placed to highlight the diversity that exists across the country and put our sector at the heart of this moment of change.
Tom Kiehl is chief executive of UK Music
