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Innovative concept puts SW talent onto centre stage
07.01.10
An enterprising music production company based in Cornwall has developed a pioneering licensing concept that will create new opportunities for talented musicians and performers from all over the South West.
The success of AMG Records Ltd, and its growing list of new artists, has already led to the opening of a new regional office and recording studio in Bristol. Now, with the help from the enhanced Business Link service available through the Convergence programme, AMG Records is proceeding with ambitious expansion plans using a completely new licensing concept that is unlike anything seen before in the UK music industry. This will see the opening of further offices to provide local support for budding performers in the Taunton, Plymouth and Exeter areas, as the young company develops its unique approach for developing and supporting the region’s talent.
Based at the South West Music Studio near St Austell, Cornwall, AMG Records was launched just three years ago by business partners Matt Allen and Will Baker. The company has already created countless performance and recording opportunities for its rapidly expanding list of talented individuals and groups in Cornwall.
Helping to establish, develop and promote the region’s raw musical talent, its acts have supported A-list artists such as McFly, Lemar and David Jordan as well as the Ministry of Sound and other prestigious venues and events around the UK.
“When you think of music production, most activities are centred around London,” says twenty-seven year old Matt Allen. “But, that’s often a barrier for those talented individuals out in the regions where it can be very difficult to get the right advice, the right support and the right opportunities to make the big break through.
“We’ve created an enterprise that provides all of the professional support necessary to secure recognition and fulfilment for talented groups and individuals – covering everything from recording facilities to mentoring, styling and presentation. But, just as important, we’ve created an affordable package that’s tailored to a region such as the south west.”
The company’s new Bristol operation was opened at the Kingswood Foundation in November 2009 and has adopted new licensing arrangements developed and refined in close consultation with Alison Miles, one of Business Link’s Convergence Business Advisers.
Will and Matt will now be using the licensing model to attract interest from musicians, choreographers, producers and other skilled individuals from the world of music to take on responsibility for developing similar local offices for AMG Records in Taunton, Plymouth and Exeter.
“Our plans will not only breathe new life into the local music and arts scene, it will also create new employment opportunities and open up new and exciting opportunities for the best talent in the area,” adds Matt. “We’re determined to overcome the post code lottery that has stifled so much raw talent over the past few decades and I believe we now have a business model that provides the flexibility, practicality and facilities to provide first class support right on the doorstep.
“Business Link has played a central role in helping us to put our ideas into practice. Not only has it helped us to understand and resolve complex issues related to Intellectual Property Rights, its advice and support in our development of an appropriate licensing model has been invaluable. Alison, in particular, has been fantastic and we owe much of our success and momentum to her passionate support for our business venture over the past few years.”
As well as supporting and developing individual acts, AMG Records has also worked with radio stations to search for future stars. At Pirate FM, for example, the Star Search competition attracted applications from hundreds of local artists and led to the creation of the Station’s ‘own’ pop group. Named as ‘Eden’ by listeners, the new group was brought together and developed by AMG and has released a single with all proceeds going to charity. Significantly, the group has also secured a 40 date winter tour.
AMG Records has also introduced a special coaching support package for anyone in the South West who is keen to take part in next year’s X-Factor auditions as well as simple studio packages for producing recording demos, from just £75.00. The company has already seen many of its acts develop on the road to success – ranging from urban acts such as ‘MK1’ to popular male artist ‘AJ’ and new wave artists such as ‘Charlie Starr’.
“The enthusiasm, knowledge, commitment and ‘give it a go’ attitude of Matt and Will is truly infectious,” says Business Link’s Alison Miles. “Their goal is to use their unique business model to create the country’s only networked nationwide record label to identify, nurture and support talented artists from outside the main urban areas and help them launch their music careers.
“It’s a great concept that has seen the business double its turnover year on year and, now that their licensing plans have been finalised, I see no reason why they shouldn’t fulfil their goal and achieve a tenfold increase in turnover within the next year or two. It’s a great business concept that also provides a real boost for all of the region’s hidden musical talent.”
To find out more about Business Link’s Convergence service and the support it delivers for small and medium-sized businesses throughout Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest, call 0845 600 9966 or email enquiries@blpeninsula.co.uk.
For further information contact:
Media enquiries
Ron Dyson
01308 485707
David Wilford
01672 564529
Editor's notes:
Business Link
Business Link is a Government funded service to help people start, run and grow businesses. The service provides free information, advice and support through a combination of a local telephone enquiry service, an extensive regional website, www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest and experienced business advisers. It is the primary single ‘access point’ to link businesses to the local and national business support network
The Business Link service is delivered by Peninsula Enterprise throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon and Somerset, and has supported well over 50,000 people starting or running businesses in the region over the past year, achieving a satisfaction rating that approaches 90% and is continuing to climb.
For more information, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest, or call 0845 600 9966
ERDF Convergence Programme in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
With £6 million investment from the South West RDA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Convergence Programme, Business Link has extended its support for the most innovative and ambitious firms or social enterprises in Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly. This additional enhanced service was introduced at the end of 2008 and fully complements Business Link’s existing support activities for new and established businesses.
For more information, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest/convergence or call 0845 600 9966. Visit www.convergencecornwall.com for more information on the Convergence programmes.
