Member Article

Huddersfield music shop given boost by local lender

A Huddersfield music shop has been able to upgrade its official Fender dealership status following support from a local business lender.

Keith Dawson Music, based on Westbourne Road in Marsh, has been upgraded to a Fender Select dealer, the second highest tier Fender has available, after receiving financial support from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

“We’re the largest private music store in Huddersfield and have been a Fender stockist since the shop opened in 2007, so when they approached us to take on the commitment of becoming a higher acclaimed Fender dealer for the Kirklees area, it was an offer we couldn’t refuse,” explained Keith Dawson, who also manages a music school above the shop.

“Fender recognised that we have built up a loyal custom in the area and were impressed with the full level of service we provide; as well as retailing, we offer a full repair service and run a successful music school during the evenings.

“To become an official Fender Select stockist, we needed to commit to a higher level of stock – but this came at a cost we couldn’t afford. We contacted our bank for support with the growth but they couldn’t help at the time. My accountant passed on the details of Simon Jackson at BEF and within a month they provided the finance that enabled us to sign up for the commitment,” said Keith.

The BEF loan has funded a shop re-fit, creating more space for the new stock and a contemporary environment to run the daily music school, which currently hires six tutors from local schools and bands who specialise in guitar, drums and piano.

Guitar teacher Graham Lees said: “Keith has over 100 students attending lessons throughout the week - it’s a fantastic environment for musicians to learn in and one which brings the local musical community together. It’s a well-established business so with the additional support received, it will be great to see it serve the community in times of final austerity in which the arts, and music in particular, tend to suffer.”

Stephen Waud, fund director at BEF, which has recently announced its expansion into the North East, said: “We are now in our tenth year of lending and Keith Dawson Music is an excellent example of the need to support existing businesses, as well as start-ups. The shop has been established for seven years but needed financial support to push them into a new era of business.”

Keith added: “The support from BEF and Simon has been invaluable; it’s a great comfort to know there’s someone on the other end of the phone if we need it. With the added space, stock and higher Fender status, our offering is massively strengthened throughout Kirklees – and the region.

“We’ve accomplished our goals in less than two months, without BEF’s help the work could have taken six months – or not even happened at all.”

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