08:11.2024: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl participated in a panel discussion titled Manchester’s Legacy: Internationalisation and Export.
The event was part of Brighter Sound’s “We, the Leaders – Future Forming Symposium”, which coincided with WOMEX 2024 in Manchester.Chaired by Marie-Claire Daly (Head of Culture, Greater Manchester Combined Authority), the panel brought together Tom Besford (Manchester Music City/Sound Roots), Neil Semple (Department for Business and Trade), Becci Scotcher (PRS Foundation), Samuel Nicholls/whiskas (Music:Leeds), Cath Hurley (Liverpool City Region Music Board/ Future Yard) and artist Danni Skerrit (Dirty Freud), alongside Tom.
Tom highlighted to the audience, and fellow panellists, recent campaigns by UK Music, including proposals for the government to introduce an export office.
Panel: [Left to Right – Marie-Claire Daly, Danni Skerrit, Tom Kiehl, Becci Scotcher, Tom Besford, Neil Semple, Samuel Nicholls/whiskas and Cath Hurley]
In its pre-election manifesto, UK called for a more ambitious approach to supporting music exports. Creating an export office targeted at music would provide support to British small and medium-sized music companies in particular, as well as future talent.
An Export Office would also help to build international audiences. Similar offices are common across the globe, including in Germany, Australia, and Canada.
Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham has made commitments for a City Region Music Export Office in his manifesto, with the panel discussing the advantages and challenges of both local and national approaches to export support.
Also discussed on the panel at the event last month was PRS Foundation’s UK Sounds initiative, which endeavours to unify the UK’s music export offer.
The Symposium was a one-day event bringing together dynamic leaders in music to share visions, discuss challenges and (re)imagine the future of the industry, hosted by DJ Paulette and introduced by Cllr Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader at Manchester City Council.