As the recent appointment of the new Chair of UK Music has attracted comment and coverage over the last few weeks, the Board wished to make the following statement:

UK Music brings together representatives from across the commercial music industry to collectively lobby the UK Government and Parliament for positive change for the sector.     

Following the announcement that Chair Andy Heath CBE, who had served for 14 years, was to retire, the post to find his successor was extensively advertised across a range of media including The Sunday Times and The Guardian, as well as major online trade publications. More than 80 applications were received, and the Board put in place a robust process to interview the six candidates which were shortlisted. The decision to appoint Tom Watson was the democratic decision of the UK Music Board.

Tom Watson was Shadow Culture Secretary for more than three years before he stood down from Parliament. He was a founder member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music and during his time in Parliament worked on many cross-party campaigns including support for the reform of live music entertainment licensing and fair ticketing. Since taking up the role as Chair, he has been in regular talks with Government ministers during the coronavirus crisis about the urgent support needed by the music industry. He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in our business, the live sector and venues, as well as being a champion for music education and the talent pipeline.

The Board’s unrelenting focus is on supporting UK Music in fighting for measures to mitigate the devastating impact of coronavirus on the UK music industry, which employs over 190,000 people, contributed £5.2bn to the UK economy and generated £2.7bn in export revenue.