Aware that there was a local demand for such support, Militia Beat became MBR Promotions in August 1991 to source music business advice for other fledgling music businesses. We have gone on to run a variety of music business short courses, advice services, industry events and other initiatives across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We have now specialised in business support for the music industry for over 10 years and helped over 1 400 creative individuals. Aged between 15-83 years, they include people just starting out in music, new and existing music businesses, industry organisations (MCPS, PRS etc.) and other industry professionals (lawyers, accountants). The list includes songwriters, musicians, performers, DJs, producers, band managers, labels, promoters, studios, agents etc., dealing in all types of music from Opera to Rap, Jazz to Rock, and Indie to military band music!
Over the years we have worked alongside numerous Enterprise organisations, Arts organisations, national and local government, youth services and various music industry organisations including the MU, PRS, MCPS and (the former) Umbrella.
We currently support both the creative talent (musicians, songwriters) and music businesses (labels, managers, promoters etc.) alike, through training courses, 1-2-1 advice and now online.
Our current main work programme includes coordinating a team of Music Industry Consultants who "mentor" aspiring professional musicians, songwriters and other performers (singers, DJs etc.) through the Employment Services' New Deal for musicians programme. We have also been developing TOTAL, a new initiative to help music businesses set up and grow that comes online early in 2002 (we operate both these programmes in the North East of England).
We plan to continue offering music business support across the UK too so watch this space!