MSP GLOBAL: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS & LIVE EVENT EXCELLENCE IN LIVERPOOL

For 25 years, MSP Global has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s vibrant events sector, delivering exceptional AV and technical production services for conferences, live events, hybrid broadcasts, and virtual productions.

Originally founded in 1992 by Colin Reader and Lisa Richards as Merseysound Productions & Staging in South Africa where Colin had a successful career as a professional musician, the business moved to the UK in 2000. “When we returned to the UK, we saw a gap in the market for a more creative technical production companyan area we knew well from our work in South Africa,” explains Colin.

Global reach, local heart

Born and raised in Wavertree, Colin’s strong city roots shaped the foundations of MSP. The business initially supported local clients such as Everton FC and The Jockey Club, relationships that last to this day. As the business expanded its services and reach, it rebranded as MSP Global, reflecting its growing reputation in national and international markets.

While proudly Liverpool-based, MSP’s work spans the globe. The team has delivered AV and technical production services for events like Eurovision, COP18 in Doha and COP26, UN climate summits, Cannes Film Festival for 10 years, the London Olympics and Qatar’s World Petroleum Conference.

Closer to home, MSP remains committed to supporting Liverpool’s economic growth through events — contributing to a sector worth over £3.3bn a year to the region.

The opening of MSP House in 2007, a purpose-built 18,000 sqft facility featuring production offices, meeting rooms, and broadcast studios, marked the beginning of a new chapter. It enabled the business to scale rapidly while continuing to serve local clients and expanding onto global stages.

A pivotal moment came in 2008, when MSP supported Liverpool City Council’s successful bid for European Capital of Culture status, helping to shape the city’s event infrastructure at a critical time. That same year, MSP was appointed as the sole AV supplier to ACC Liverpool for its first three years — a prestigious partnership that positioned the company at the heart of Liverpool’s expanding events scene.

Innovation and versatility

MSP’s success is driven by its adaptability. When the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the industry, the team leveraged its broadcast expertise to successfully deliver more than 300 virtual events, from conferences and training seminars to immersive awards ceremonies. This led to the creation of a permanent broadcast studio in 2022, complete with 4K LED video walls, greenscreen setups, multi-camera capabilities, hospitality suites, and secure loading bays. Based in Bootle, this hub supports everything from virtual conferences and product launches to podcasts and award ceremonies. The company regularly partners with MediaSat to help deliver remote services via outside broadcast vans, satellite uplinks, and mobile crews.

Developing future talent

Nurturing the next generation is central to MSP’s mission. Through apprenticeships and hands-on experience, the team helps graduates and early-career professionals build lasting careers. “Many of our trainees have gone on to permanent roles within MSP — something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Lisa. “It’s been one of our founding principles from day one.”

Looking ahead

As it marks 25 years in Liverpool, MSP continues to innovate. The company’s future plans focus on sustainable event solutions, expanding mobile and streaming services, and bringing the latest technology to live productions. Aligned with Liverpool City Region’s growth strategy, MSP is helping to cement the city’s status as a premier destination for world-class events.

Thanks to the vision of Colin, Lisa, and their team, MSP has become both a Liverpool icon and a global AV innovator — dedicated to delivering exceptional events and empowering future industry leaders.