Partner Article

Generator cranks up the volume

A music development agency has announced plans to expand its activities to support the region’s music industry on the back of major cash injection into the organisation.

Recent investment in Newcastle-based Generator has allowed the company to launch a three-year programme of music business development and musician support within the region.

The company’s Building the Business of Music programme is part of a £1.64m business support initiative for the music industry which expects to help 240 SMEs and create up to 100 new jobs in the region.

Generator chief executive, Jim Mawdsley, said: “It’s been a very busy time for Generator and the North East music industry and we thought it was time to take stock of our achievements.

“A lot of work needs to be done to see where skills gaps exist in the industry and where we can support and strengthen.”

Generator will host special clinics to provide support and advice to groups of music industry SMEs and will offer business-to-business mentoring.

The clinics will be given to those who wish to start a business and need initial guidance with business planning and assistance with legal contracts.

Themed seminars will also explore developments and trends in the music industry, allowing budding entrepreneurs the chance to hear from leading experts.

Jim Mawdsley added: “We’re now in a position where we can support music businesses with potential based in the North East and raise the profile of the region within the UK music industry.

“We want to develop and support as many businesses as we can.”

The new funding marks a new era for Generator, which has recently located to larger premises in the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle, having bolstered its workforce with 5 new members of staff.

The new project is being part financed by £822,347 from the European Regional Development Fund, secured through One North East.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .