I4/02/2020: In an exclusive opinion piece for Music Week, UK Music Acting CEO Tom Kiehl hails business rate cut for venues, but also looks towards some of the other challenges that still lay ahead…

The Government’s announcement last week that it was “happy hour” with its promised business rate cut was welcome news. The move during Independent Venue Week marked a brilliant triumph and the culmination of a three-year campaign by UK Music and our partners across the industry to deliver some much-needed help to smaller music venues across England.

It means the 50% reduction available to smaller retailers will be extended to around 230 small and medium-sized venues which have a rateable value of below £51,000.

The decision is a major victory for UK Music, all our members and everyone who fought so hard to get the Government to level the playing field and ensure live music keeps bringing pleasure to millions – not just at large arenas but at small and grassroots venues too.

It shows what the music industry can achieve when we work together and push Government ministers and policymakers to make decisions that will benefit not just the music industry but also the wider community and economy.

Read the full article on Music Week here.