Own Industry

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In March 2006, the hub was commissioned by ACE east Midlands to begin work on Own Industry, a research project focused on developing the region?s music SMEs. Our brief was to analyse the business needs of music-based SMEs in the east Midlands, to identify support provision available to them and to design a high impact music business accelerator appropriate to the region.

In order to best understand the needs of music SMEs in the east Midlands, we consulted a wide range of organisations and individuals in the region, including labels, independent producers and promoters, retailers, participatory music organisations, studios and management companies. We also conducted research into existing business support providers. We wanted our research to be useful from day one, and built a number of networking opportunities into this stage of the project so that entrepreneurs in the region could meet and learn from each other, and explore the potential for collaboration.

We used our research findings to scope out an initial model we thought would provide ?business challenge? as much as ?business support?, in response to the needs and ambitions we mapped. To make sure we?d got it right, we road tested these ideas with a whole range of businesses across the region, and are now confident that we have a model which will result in measurable growth of the region?s music industry.

We are currently working with Arts Council England to identify and secure a range of partners, with a view to the Own Industry programme opening for business in 2008.

Own Industry has been funded by Arts Council England, with additional support from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Similar projects

New Yorkshire Music : Reserach into the business development needs of music SMEs

A culturally diverse music strategy for the South West : Recommendations and a strategy for Arts Council England