Launchpad announced as West Yorkshire Industry Partner for Northern Music Export Office

PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS AND MUSIC BUSINESSES FROM ACROSS WEST YORKSHIRE REGION  

West Yorkshire talent development organisation Launchpad have announced their new role as a regional delivery partner for the recently-launched Northern Music Export Office, the UK's first pan-regional music export initiative founded by the Mayors of West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley and the North East.   

Powered by Generator and launched at SXSW London in June 2026, the NMEO intends to help artists and music businesses across the North build sustainable international careers without the need to relocate. As West Yorkshire's regional delivery partner, Launchpad will be the driving force behind the programme across the region, connecting artists and industry professionals to the training, mentoring and global opportunities the initiative provides. 

Launchpad's role will include engaging stakeholders across the West Yorkshire music industry to build strong local networks and partnerships, identifying export-ready artists and music businesses and building a pipeline of emerging and established talent, and preparing them for international showcasing opportunities. Launchpad will also deliver workshops, mentoring and advisory support on touring, international markets and export strategy, while acting as the region's key ambassador for the programme, collaborating and working alongside NMEO and the other regional delivery partners to ensure consistent, joined-up delivery across the North. 

The Northern Music Export Office will offer national and international touring grants, export-ready development programmes, along with mentorship opportunities, and specialist industry resources. Four funding programmes will open across autumn 2026, supporting artists and music professionals from across the region to access new national and international opportunities.  

The appointment of Launchpad to the initiative will mean that West Yorkshire music talent and businesses will receive the dedicated support needed in order to break into international markets, reach wider audiences, and ultimately push their careers to the next level. For emerging bands and established artists, independent labels, and more, Launchpad will provide a point of contact to help them access international touring grants, showcase opportunities and export-ready development programmes.  

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: 

“The Northern Music Export Office is a major vote of confidence in Northern musicians, and in their nationally significant contribution to Britain’s economy and place on the world stage. 

“This vital new support will help ensure that the next generation of artists – from Venus Grrrls in West Yorkshire to Young Rebel Set in Teesside – have the advice, finance and connections they need to build sustainable careers on the international circuit.” 

Samuel Nicholls, Launchpad founder/director: 

“The NMEO is a transformative collaboration for the benefit of artists across the North, and it's a brilliant opportunity for us to plug our existing support for artists in West Yorkshire into the program. The additional support of Generator and the NMEO mean more artists and businesses from West Yorkshire will be available to develop international pathways and opportunities to grow the wider sector” 

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator: 
“Having Launchpad as our delivery partner in West Yorkshire is a really important part of making the Northern Music Export Office work effectively across the region. Their knowledge of the local music community and existing relationships with artists, businesses and the wider industry gives us a strong on-the-ground partner, connecting the programme directly with the talent it is here to support. 

“The North has an extraordinary depth of musical talent, but creating international opportunities isn’t just about programmes and funding - it’s about making sure artists and music businesses can access them. Launchpad’s reach and engagement across West Yorkshire will be vital in identifying talent, building pathways into the programme and ensuring NMEO’s opportunities reach the people who can benefit from them.” 

More information on the Northern Music Export office including forthcoming funding and showcasing opportunities can be found HERE