The Association of independent Music, the organization that represents the interests of over 800 independent music companies in the UK, has launched the AIM Academy, a new bespoke training and business support initiative.
The AIM Academy will offer a range of training and business development options for both new and established music companies and individuals looking to enter the music business, delivered by experienced industry professionals.
The first AIM Academy event, a masterclass on how to run a record label, will be run in conjunction with Virgin StartUp, taking place at Virgin’s London Headquarters on Wednesday 23rd March.
Special guests Chris Goss, the Managing Director and co-founder of Hospital Records, and Mark Furman, Senior Director of Business Affairs at Virgin EMI Records, will be offering practical advice and an insight into the many issues involved with running a successful record label.
This event, with tickets priced at £25 each, has already sold out and is the fastest selling event that Virgin StartUp has ever hosted. More will be announced shortly.
The AIM Academy will provide quarterly masterclasses, monthly workshops and a series of online training sessions, full details of which will be announced in the near future.
Michael Fuller, AIM Academy said, “AIM has an outstanding record of providing assistance to new and existing music businesses. By providing high quality bespoke training and educational opportunities delivered by established music industry experts we are giving new and existing businesses the chance to explore practical solutions and interesting ideas while building their knowledge base.”
Alison Wenham, CEO of AIM said, “The AIM Academy is an exciting new initiative and the fact that our first AIM Academy event sold out immediately and is the fastest selling ticket ever for Virgin StartUp is testament to the demand for industry specific training and education for companies and individuals.”
The AIM Academy was conceived after AIM’s success as a delivery partner for Start Up Loans, a Government backed scheme to provide finance to the creative start-up sector. In partnership with Virgin Startup, a non-profit division of the Virgin Group, who are a current Start Up Loans delivery partner, AIM Startups can provide funding to music companies looking to develop their business ideas, along with training in managing finance and general business training. AIM Startups has supported over 60 new businesses with £600,000 in approved loans since 2014
Mei Shui, Managing Director of Virgin Startup said, “Virgin’s roots are in the music industry and Virgin Records is one the Virgin Group’s most successful startups. We launched the brand in 1970 to sell cut-price records, under the name Virgin Mail Order and it’s now a global company. It wouldn’t be where it is today without the leadership and guidance it received in its early days. Virgin StartUp aims to give that same mentorship and support to entrepreneurs working to make their business plans a reality, which is why I’m delighted our teams are working with AIM on Start Up Loans and on this masterclass.”Music Business Worldwide
