MANAGERS ORG PLEDGES REBUILD FUND

The Music Managers Forum in the U.K. has launched a support fund for British-based managers impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. In its first round, the ReBuild Fund will offer grants of up to £3k and has been supported by donations from PPL as well as managers including Joyce Smith (Rolling Stones) and Stuart Camp (Ed Sheeran), and Hipgnosis' Merk Mercuriadis.

Successful managers will have to meet four basic criteria to apply. The criteria includes a demonstrable track record of building artist careers, significant income losses since March, an inability to fully access current Government support packages, and applicants must be existing MMF members (prior to the end of May).

Help Musicians will administer the ReBuild Fund and, alongside those mentioned above, has also been made possible thanks to donations from Adam Tudhope (Everybody’s) and Paul Loasby (One Fifteen Management). The MMF and CEO Annabella Coldrick have also committed to the fund and are actively inviting further support across the music and technology sectors.

“The shutdown of live music has been traumatic for MMF members,” Coldrick said. “We have actively campaigned for the Government to fill the support gaps, however this has not been forthcoming and so we decided to set up ReBuild to support our community. At this very difficult time, it is vital that managers can avert an impending cash flow crisis and remain dedicated to helping artists and music creators innovate and sustain themselves through some tough months ahead.”

Alongside the grant, successful recipients will benefit from 1:2:1 resilience sessions with music management mentors, partner accountants and industry leaders. Full details for ReBuild will be provided following the MMF’s AGM on 6/17 when applications will open.