Member Article

British musical talent to take a bite at the Big Apple

Twenty one forward-thinking British music companies attempting to gain a foothold in the USA in a trade mission to New York. The companies taking part in ‘AIM 4 America’ – a 4-day trip to the world’s largest music market representing 36% of worldwide sales – will be given personal backing to succeed by Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling in New York on 13th June 2006.The mission, organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM), builds on the success of last year’s inaugural visit. Alistair Darling, the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, will deliver a welcome speech to the UK contingent, meet the companies and discuss desired mission outcomes at an evening reception in New York on 13th June.He said: “The British music scene is flourishing with artists like Coldplay, James Blunt, KT Tunstel and Franz Ferdinand helping to spearhead a reemergence of British musical talent stateside. This mission will further help British music be exported abroad. “I want smart British ideas to be picked up early and nurtured so that they benefit the UK as a whole. In a fast changing global economy and even faster changing music scene we have to support UK companies that have a competitive edge. It is hugely encouraging to see so many companies on this mission who are trying something new. “Britain’s creative economy is now worth more than £11 billion to UK plc and supports 2 million jobs. It produces a higher proportion of the country’s total wealth - 8% of GDP - than this industry does anywhere else in the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .