“We collaborate closely, we care about the outcome, and we bring energy and enjoyment to every project.”
This month Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership puts the spotlight on the creative force bringing immersive colour, sights and sound to Liverpool City Region’s biggest moments.
When Liverpool was crowned European Capital of Culture in 2008, it marked a turning point for the city. But behind the scenes of that historic announcement, another story was unfolding. A story of quiet innovation, technical brilliance, and unwavering commitment. That story belongs to MSP.
Now celebrating 25 years in business, MSP has become one of the Liverpool City Region’s most trusted and creative event production partners. From civic ceremonies to global spectacles, the team has helped shape the city’s most iconic moments, and they’re just getting started.
FROM PROJECTORS TO PRODUCTION POWERHOUSE
“Back in the early days, most clients just wanted a projector and a screen,” says David Clatworthy, Operations Director of MSP. “But even then, our founder, Colin Reader saw where things were heading. He knew clients would soon need more, full creative and technical support, not just kit.”
That foresight laid the foundation for MSP’s evolution. What began as an AV hire company has grown into a full-service production house, delivering everything from immersive LED installations to broadcast-standard hybrid events. Their in-house team now includes specialists in video editing, content creation, set design, and staging, all working together to bring events to life in unforgettable ways.
MSP set the stage for a spectacular ‘Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards’ at Liverpool Cathedral.
A LEGACY BUILT ON LIVERPOOL’S BIGGEST STAGES
MSP’s fingerprints are all over a vast selection of the city region’s most significant events. Their involvement in Liverpool’s Capital of Culture bid was a defining moment, supporting events at Picton Library, Town Hall, and other iconic venues, helping to showcase the city’s ambition to the world.
Since then, they’ve delivered technical and creative support for everything from the Freedom of the City ceremonies to the Eurovision celebrations and the emotional “Goodbye to Goodison” event for Everton FC.
Ritchie Nield, General Manager at MSP, explained, “We’ve always felt a deep connection to the city. Being trusted to deliver events that matter, emotionally, culturally, historically, that’s what drives us.”
INVESTING IN PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURPOSE
MSP’s impact goes far beyond the stage. Over the past decade, they’ve helped kick-start the careers of hundreds of technicians through partnerships with local colleges, offering real-world experience that led to long-term career paths in the industry. Their open-door approach to neurodiverse candidates and partnerships with organisations like the ADHD Foundation reflect a genuine commitment to inclusion.
One story stands out. “A young man with ADHD came to us through a school contact. He struggled in traditional education but had a passion for lighting. We brought him into the warehouse, and he worked his way up to leading lighting and rigging on major shows. He’s now touring with big-name artists but still pops in to see us. That’s the kind of legacy we’re proud of,” explained co-founder Lisa Richards.
MSP also supports the region’s cultural and hospitality sectors through sponsorship of the Liverpool Hospitality Awards, the Educate Awards, and the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, events that the company also helps to deliver.
l-r: MSP Company Director, Lisa Richards and MSP Founder and Managing Director, Colin Reader
ADAPTING TO A CHANGING INDUSTRY
The events world has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years, and MSP has stayed ahead by embracing change. Their purpose-built MSP Studios, launched during the pandemic, now support a growing demand for hybrid and virtual events. They’ve also invested in sustainable production practices, from energy-efficient equipment to reconfigurable staging.
“Events today need to be immersive, inclusive, and environmentally conscious,” says Ritchie. “We’re proud to lead the way on all three.”
They’re also exploring the potential of AI, from live captioning and translation to post-event analytics and content generation. “It’s early days, but the possibilities are exciting,” he adds.
A TRUSTED PARTNER, NOT JUST A SUPPLIER
Ask any of MSP’s long-term clients what sets them apart, and you’ll hear the same themes: reliability, creativity, and people.
“We’re often described as a ‘safe pair of hands’,” says Operations Director, David Clatworthy. “But we’re more than that. We collaborate closely, we care about the outcome, and we bring energy and enjoyment to every project.”
That reputation has earned them loyalty that spans decades. Some clients, such as the Jockey Club and Everton FC, have been with MSP since the very beginning, a testament to the trust they’ve built and the results they consistently deliver.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
MSP’s relationship with VisitLiverpool has been instrumental in amplifying their work and connecting them to new opportunities. From supporting the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards to providing AV for Liverpool Convention Bureau’s stand at The Meetings Show in London, the partnership has opened doors and deepened MSP’s role in promoting the region.
“It’s more than a membership,” says Ritchie. “It’s a network of people who care about the city and want to see it thrive. We share leads, collaborate on bids, and support each other. It’s a real team effort.”
MSP team members and clients celebrate the company turning 25 at a lively party last month.
LOOKING AHEAD: CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
As MSP looks to the future, its focus is clear: keep innovating, keep investing in people, and keep delivering events that connect with audiences on every level.
“We’re excited about what’s next,” says David. “We’re expanding our creative services, growing our team, and exploring new sectors. But at the heart of it all, we’re still the same MSP, passionate, professional, and proud to be part of Liverpool’s story.”
And when people look back on MSP’s legacy?
“We hope they remember us as the team that made their events better and made the journey enjoyable, too.”
For more on MSP visit their website: msp-av.co.uk/ and follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn.
For more information on becoming a VisitLiverpool partner, click HERE.