Government urged to support British music industry

A music industry body has called on the UK government to do more to support the sector.

According to UK Music, the music industry contributes at least £5 billion to the British economy every year.

The organisation also stated that the sector employs twice as many people as the financial services industry.

As a result, UK Music believes there should be more coherent and strategic policymaking across different government departments.

This, it said, could be achieved if a Creative Industries Cabinet Committee was set up.

Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music, commented: "This country has a phenomenal musical heritage and our artists are globally-renowned for their innovation and creativity."

The former Undertones frontman, whose hits include Teenage Kicks, added that UK Music wants this "national asset" to be recognised as a great professional industry.

He said this could potentially lead to the UK overtaking the US as the world's biggest music producer over the next few years.

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