| MARCH 2008 MUSIC JOURNAL - FEATURE |
| HELP FROM BUSINESS LINK by Yvey Ballantyne |
Many – if not most – musicians are involved in running a business, whether it is their own freelance enterprise or something bigger. Yvey Ballantyne, PR Executive at Business Link London, explains how she and her colleagues can help.
Whether you are already running a business or planning to start one, Business Link can help you achieve more. We offer one-stop access to appropriate information and services, as well as the best business support available.
Garry Kemp of Business Link London says: ‘Business Link exists to help growing businesses expand. We work alongside partner organisations in the musical world, helping them to help their members develop their business and improve their turnover and profitability. It is the vision of the Creative Team at Business Link in London for musical entrepreneurs to become even more business-like, for instance by using new digital technology, including downloads and podcasts, to get their music out there!’.
The aim of Business Link is to help businesses run their business better and be more profitable. As Garry Kemp says: ‘To obtain the expertise you need to make your business go places, make Business Link your first port of call’. At Business Link we believe everyone should have access to business support, and we can provide free practical information and advice in a variety of ways to meet your needs. When you are ready to take the next step, we can introduce you to a range of specialist business support services.
Practical Business Information
Services include practical business information. By visiting the website you can get access to a wealth of tools, guides and organisers that you can personalise and come back to repeatedly. It also allows you to:
- receive personalised alerts relevant to your business;
- save searches and guides for quick and easy access
- build your own library of business information;
- subscribe to the Business Link in London monthly newsletter full of the capital’s business news;
- access to many more partner sites and organisations.
In the first week of the course, entrepreneurs receive a daily email alert on issues such as researching your market, choosing premises and legal considerations. Thereafter, they are sent a weekly alert on issues such as protecting your ideas and what to do before you start trading.
The subscription process guarantees each email service is specific to the industry and region of the proposed business idea. Each email provides an introduction to a subject area that is vital to consider when starting up, as well as details of other organisations that can provide advice and support in the area.
Stepheny Mayers, e-communications manager of Business Link in London, explains: ‘There are several things people need to think about when setting up a business. Start Quest ensures that no aspect is forgotten. It provides step-by-step guidance on the areas to consider making the start-up process manageable. It’s like having a virtual mentor who points you in the right direction.’
Start Quest is free and can be found here.
Business Development
Business Link will work with you to help you put your plans into action by connecting you with the most appropriate private or public sector supplier. Our in-depth understanding of the business market, together with our local knowledge and presence, means that we can provide you with the information you need to improve your business. At Business Link we understand the success in developing your ideas or business does not happen overnight, and will work with you as you develop your business to achieve more.
Business Link in London Business Events
Every month, Business Link run an extensive range of events brought to you at no extra cost to your business. Top-class speakers bring you the latest business thinking and offer a range of topics to meet you particular issues. Events include:
- marketing masterclasses;
- complete start-up courses;
- networking events;
- regional community events with key partner organisations.
The workshop, organised by Garry Kemp, was a resounding success, with close on 250 people attending. Feedback on the night was very positive, with many people saying that they would like to see more of these events in the future.
Run in partnership with the Association of Independent Music, British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, British Music Rights, British Phonographic Industries, Music Publishers’ Association and Music Managers Forum, the seminars offered practical advice from a handful of music professionals on how to market music in both print and broadcast media, as well as the digital domain.
Commenting on the event, Garry Kemp said: ‘The creative sector is the crown jewel in London’s economy. The capital is a magnet to thousands of music-loving entrepreneurs whose energy and vision are the driving force behind music-related businesses. When they succeed, everybody else in London shares in that success. It is in our interest to help them achieve their potential.’
With Business Link in London, there is open access to the capital’s most comprehensive business resource. You can find all the information you need to start up, run or grow a business. It is free and impartial, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To find out more about the services Business Link in London can offer, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/london, call our enquiry line on 0845 600 9 006, or come to one of our events. Find out how Business Link in London can help your business!
Business Link in London offers the capital’s small and medium-sized businesses one-stop access to appropriate information, services and support to start up, run or grow a business. It is wholly funded by the London Development Agency (LDA). For more about the LDA, visit www.bllondon.co.uk or T. 0845 6000 787.
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