Former Take That singer became co-owner of LMA (formerly known as Liverpool Media Academy) in June, sparking a 160% increase in applications. Tony McDonough reports

There has been a surge in applications to Liverpool media, music and performing arts facility LMA since pop superstar Robbie Williams took a stake in the business.

The former Take That singer became co-owner of LMA (formerly known as Liverpool Media Academy) in June, sparking a 160% increase in applications from prospective students.

Robbie chose the LMA choir as one of his final four acts for the live shows of last year’s The X Factor and developed an instant connection with the LMA team. In July, he headlined Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park to rave reviews, where he was joined on-stage by the choir for a special guest appearance.

He vowed to support both the choir and LMA as they looked to the future and he will now play a pivotal role in the Institution’s UK and international expansion, starting with a new campus in London, set to open in September 2020.

“I am delighted to now be an official member of the LMA family,” said Robbie. “As soon as I met them all I was so inspired by their passion and drive and wanted to get involved. I know I can pass on my experience and assist in creating the next generation of pop stars, performers and creatives.”

LMA provides degree and BTEC courses for young people to discover and hone their creative skills. The increase in applications comes as LMA also welcomes 20 new staff members to its team.

Richard Wallace, co-founder of LMA, said: “We’ve had an absolutely phenomenal year so far at LMA – from welcoming the original cast of Fame, to announcing our new partnership with Robbie, it’s been amazing. 

“We are creating real stars of the future, whether that’s on stage or screen, behind the camera, in the recording studio or creating the next big gaming sensation, and we can’t wait to welcome our new intake of students into the LMA family.”