24/03/2009 London Connected Has Significant Impact on The Capital's Music Businesses
Launched at AIM's Music Connected 2008 event almost a year ago, London Connected, the digital music network for London, has reached landmark figures in the support provided to the capital's music businesses and entrepreneurs.
Over 300 businesses and 200 individuals have now benefited from an impressive programme including, digital music consultancy, networking events, training days, market research and a work experience scheme.
Supported by £650,000 from the London Development Agency (LDA) and managed by AIM, London Connected's skills and business development programme is helping London's music entrepreneurs to maximise the opportunities presented by digital technologies.
To-date 60 companies have taken advantage of a free "digital health check" meeting with an industry expert, receiving two hours of valuable consultancy on their digital strategy from experts including Ninja Tune's Laura Seach and James Birchall of Kudos Records. A further 121 companies have attended a free "Introduction to Digital" training day, learning about digital marketing, the latest technology and devices, working with aggregators and distributors and the digital value chain. With the first six training days selling out at speed, several more are soon to be announced.
Very recently London Connected teamed up with the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters (BACS) to host Marketing Music Online for London-based songwriters and composers . Over 70 delegates attended the event, which focused on demystifying digital marketing and on social networking, and featured presentations from industry experts including Buzzin' Fly's Ben Watt. Previous London Connected event topics included Synch Opportunities Online and Breaking into the Music Industry, which offered advice and career opportunities in the digital music sector.
Providing career opportunities is a major focus of the programme, and last month saw the launch of a Work Experience Scheme. This will match the next generation of employees with current businesses in the digital music sector, with 40 positions available at companies including PIAS, eMusic, Fabric and 7 Digital. And this summer the London Connected Mentoring Scheme launches to offer long-term support and consultancy to a selection of London Connected registrants.
In addition to the events, training and consultancy, a vast range of online resources is available to all registrants, including valuable digital music market research and reports on key business areas. Registrants can also sign up for a free subscription to industry newsletter Music Ally (worth £399), which 175 companies are already taking advantage of.
Feedback suggests London Connected is having a significant impact on the business success of registrants. Imran Kahn of Sounderground Records states: "Since joining London Connected I have not looked back! The help and support has been invaluable in helping us get a grip on this ever-expanding digital marketplace. I would recommend the scheme to anyone starting out, and even established businesses can gain an advantage."
London-based music companies and entrepreneurs can sign up now at www.londonconnected.org.
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