MusicTank

Introduction

MusicTank is one of University of Westminster's sector-based Knowledge and Business Development Networks. Launched in 2003, MusicTank's remit was to establish itself as a business development network for the UK music industry - an independent body set up to engage with industry, innovation and change across the music business.

As music business becomes more competitive and entry level continues to get lower through technological development, there is a need for thorough, cutting edge professional expertise. The University's commercial and intellectual neutrality is a critical factor in the creation and sustainability of a 'knowledge' network that encourages adoption of best practice , circulation of innovative ideas, new collaborations and evolution of creative ventures into professional success.

Events

Over the past three years, MusicTank has built an enviable reputation for its ongoing and unique programme of think tanks, conferences, events and, more recently, the commissioning of reports. Bringing hot topics into sharp focus and helping pinpoint the opportunities created by disruptive technologies, it aims to not only address challenges the music industry faces, but aspires to circulate innovative ideas, best practice and cutting-edge strategies to increase innovation and productivity across the music industry.

Website

The MusicTank website serves as a rich repository of information spanning the entire music industry, from current and archived music industry news, through to sector-specific information from copyright, law and small business support through to marketing, promotion, funding and finance.

This new-look website (March 2007) sees the addition of richer content and the introduction of two levels of involvement for music industry practitioners. You may quickly and easily sign up to our free monthly e-mail newsletter, and access much of the site's content. For a small fee of £30 per annum, you may become a MusicTank member and gain access to extra priviledged content, including full event transcripts, mp3 podcasts of events, access to reports and the opportunity to attend your first think tank completely free of charge.

Further information about these new features and membership options can be found here.

Industry Collaboration

Supported by the London Development Agency, MusicTank has been developed as part of a unique collaboration with a consortium of 14 music industry bodies who collectively comprise MusicTank's Steering Group:

Industry Comment

"We need to build long term resources to help us capitalise on the wide range of music industry experience out there and MusicTank is a very good start".

Keith Harris, Chairman of MusicTank

"The UK music business is brimming with vision, creativity and commercial nous, and MusicTank willl enable those within it to unite their thinking to create tomorrow's business success stories".

Alison Wenham, Chairman and Chief Executive of AIM

"We are delighted to be part of the MusicTank initiative. Cross-industry collaboration and wider education are vital to the continued success of the British music business. As the representative body for British songwriters, composers and music publishers, the majority of whom are small and medium sized enterprises, we are particularly pleased that the MusicTank portal will provide access and information for small businesses."

Frances Lowe, Director General of British Music Rights

"The Musicians' Union welcomes the Music Tank initiative and believes it represents a genuine opportunity to assist those hoping to survive and succeed in the modern music industry."

Nigel McCune, Music Business Adviser for the Musicians' Union

"MusicTank's philosophy is to share knowledge. Nobody knows everything but having an information network that can feed upwards, downwards, sideways and across all sectors - can only be a fantastic springboard for our future generation of creators. "The UK music industry is the third largest market in the world, and second only to the US in terms of ownership of repertoire. Education should be free and initiatives like this with full trade body support and government funding through the LDA will ensure we continue to punch above our weight."

Maggie Crowe, External and Educational Affairs, BPI

"This is going to be an important element in bringing new ideas and people to our industry, at a time when both will be most welcome."

Doug D'Arcy, AIM Board Member and former President, Chrysalis Dedicated