Member Article

New Board Members Appointed at Local Music Venue Ahead of Ambitious Growth Plans

The Forum Music Studios on Borough Road, Darlington has introduced new members to strengthen its board of directors amidst ambitious plans to grow.

New directors include Laura Saunders-Jerrom, a lawyer and partner at Hewitt’s, one of the largest firms of solicitors in the region and Music Industry Consultant, Steve Milbourne, who has worked in the music in at a high level in both labels and management for 20 years.

Other new board members include Tori Gill, who has a Local Government & marketing background and Chartered Accountant, Jack William McKay.

Michael Bainbridge, Chair, said, ‘We have exciting plans to extend and upgrade our existing facilities to improve the overall experience for both artists & the audience. We also want to introduce new activities & services to enhance our existing offer as a grassroots live music & creative learning hub.’’

Opened in 2011, The Forum Music Studios is a not-for-profit social enterprise. It is a 200 capacity venue with plug and play rehearsal rooms and a digital recording studio.

Chief Executive, Allison Mckay, said, ‘The Board of Directors are key in ensuring the Forum exists for the benefit of our community.’

‘Previous directors have had great input, but we have ambitious plans for growth and having a board that has specific skills and experience in these fields will be a real help. We’re really excited to be moving forward’.

The vision for the future for an already busy venue will include making significant improvements to the building. Some of the plans include building a carbon net zero recording studio complete with a living roof garden which will be unique to the region, a new entrance and additional green room facilities.

It is envisaged the ambitious plans will further embed The Forum Music Studios into the heart of Darlington and in the region. It will be more accessible, will attract more well knows artists & bands and will future proof the venue for years to come.

For further details about The Forum Music Studios and upcoming events, please visit their website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Forum Music Studios .