LIVE Newsletter – 08.09.23
11.09.2023.Sign up here to receive LIVE’s bi-weekly newsletter direct to your inbox!
LIVE champions Mental Health First Aid training for the workforce
| With the music industry paving the way to having Mental Health First Aiders present on all tours and events at a ratio of one MHFAider to every 20 crew personnel, last month LIVE’s Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright, took on the challenge and became a fully qualified Mental Health First Aider. Here’s what she had to say: ‘Having worked with such amazing mental health and wellbeing organisations such as Music Support, Tonic Rider & MITC on the LIVE Talks series, it felt like the right time to take on my own challenge and become a Mental Health First Aider. With the industry becoming a lot more open about mental health and wellbeing in recent years, I wanted to understand more about the multitude of challenges people face, and how we, as an industry, can create an environment that makes people feel safe and cared for. The MHFAider course taught me so much; from the various types of disorders people may have or experience, how to listen with empathy, how to approach someone in an informed way, boundaries you should set when helping someone, what to do in a crisis and so much more. My eyes were opened to how many people can be suffering in silence too, which is why it’s so important to treat everyone kindly and non-judgementally and to reach out if you see changes in behaviour. I want to say a massive thank you to Norman Beecher and Lynne Maltman from Music Support for the opportunity, I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about mental health or addiction and recovery to check out Music Support’s fantastic support services and training programmes here.’ |
LIVE to engage with Government on Consumer Pricing Consultation
| As part of its new consultation ‘Smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers’, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking views on issues related to consumer information transparency – including questions around “hidden fees and drip pricing”. In addition to the consultation document, DBT published a 62-page research and analysis report into the prevalence and impact of drip pricing. Drip pricing was found to be least common in the entertainment industry out of the sectors surveyed, though a high percentage of consumers did report encountering dripped fees. The consultation will close on 15 October 2023, with a response from DBT expected later in the year. LIVE will be working closely with our expert member, STAR, to develop a coordinated response to this consultation. It is important that officials at DBT have a clear understanding of current industry practice (and the reasons why we adopt this approach) and the economic drivers at play. |
Labour Reshuffle: Powell and Smith move on
| As is the way in politics, reshuffles require the renewal of relationships with politicians from across the spectrum as they move on to other roles. And such was the way with this week’s Labour reshuffle as Shadow Culture Secretary, Lucy Powell MP and shadow DCMS Minister Jeff Smith MP shifted to other roles on the frontbench. They will be missed given their obvious passion for and understanding of the live music sector. We are fortunate enough to have as Lucy’s successor, Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, a classically trained cellist who has shown steadfast support for our sector in other roles and as a constituency MP. We look forward to working with her (and Barbara Keeley MP who remains in the Culture team) as they develop Labour policy in this space in the run up to the next election. One other highly relevant change sees Holly Lynch MP move from being Labour’s lead on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill aka Protect Duty to become Deputy Chief Whip. Holly’s successor Dan Jarvis, having served as an officer in the Parachute Regiment, is highly regarded and will bring a considered approach to the role. |
LIVE Green joins the line up at FFWD London
| LIVE Green Chair, Carol Scott and group member, Jamal Chalabi (A Greener Future) will be joined by our good friend and close partner, Cathy Runciman (Earth/Percent) to talk through latest developments in live music sustainability at FFWD London’s dedicated live day on 20 September. They will be joining a lineup that already sees LIVE’s Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright leading a session on intersectionality. FFWD is a future facing music business conference aimed at connecting the people driving positive change in the music industry. Curated by LIVE’s Chief Economist, Chris Carey, the event exists to stimulate new discussions on current issues, pain points, and potential solutions in order to build a healthier, more robust music industry in the future. And, as if that was not reason enough to attend, Chris is offering a 20% discount for LIVE members. Simply add in LIVE20 when purchasing your ticket and we will see you there. |
ETAs…get in the know
| LIVE is working with colleagues at the Home Office to raise awareness of their plans for the roll out of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for people travelling to the UK without a visa. The ETA will be electronically linked to your passport and will be needed if you are coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study or coming for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession. ETAs will cost £10 and last for two years. Qatari nationals will be the first to need an ETA (from November). Further Gulf states will follow in February 2024 with multiple other countries expected to be added over the course of next year.To raise awareness and answer any queries the Home Office team are running a series of fortnightly briefing events. You can sign up for the next one on 28 September here. In addition, you can find a wealth of materials here. |
PROTECT UK Workshops open to all
With so much attention on the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, it is important not to lose focus on practical steps we can take to embed security thinking and practice into all our operations. With this in mind, our colleagues at Protect UK are offering workshops on 20 September and 18 October as part of their Workshop Wednesday initiative to help us all understand more about the ProtectUK Platform, eLearning and App– and understand how their use will benefit organisations and staff in Countering Terrorism and improving their protective security and preparedness. As a reminder, ProtectUK also offer award winning ACT Awareness E-Learning. A 45 minute course that should lead to a better understanding of the current terrorist threat and best practices to help counter terrorism and increase your security awareness..
LIVE Talks: Post-Festival Peer Support for Artists and Backstage Workers with Tonic Rider
As festival season draws to a close, many artists and backstage workers may be experiencing post-tour recovery; a physical, mental and social readjustment to life back home. Tonic Rider will be delivering on why peer support is important for backstage workers after festival season. The talk will be facilitated by Jeordie Shenton and Jade Hughes, who will also highlight the bespoke support and training Tonic Rider provides to backstage workers.
Date: Wednesday 27th September
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: Online, Sign up for FREE here: https://www.universe.com/events/S0P5LM
LIVE Awards: nominations open, tickets still available
With nominations now open and table sales ongoing, preparations for The LIVE Awards 2023 are well underway. Building on a sell out inaugural event, this December’s awards are sure to be another spectacular evening of celebration, networking and recognition of excellence in the field and at the venue.
Nominations are open through to 13 October and categories will be judged by a diverse, closed and anonymous panel of industry professionals. Each entry will be considered on its own merits, to ensure that the awards are a true reflection of business excellence in live music.
The LIVE Awards celebrates the end of the year in the UK’s live music business and raises funds to support our work. Now recognised as the UK live music industry’s end of year party, LIVE expects 600 guests to attend this year. With free drinks, a five-star dinner and after party, another great night will be had by all. Sign up for a table or individual tickets here.
MEMBER UPDATES
| AIF to introduce the First Minister For Festivals award at the Access All Areas Awards on 16 November at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), read more about it here. MMF are holding their Manager Summit on 13th September, 11am – 4pm at 21Soho. The world’s only unique summit dedicated to issues facing managers will focus on the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), for more information and tickets please click here! |
INDUSTRY ORGANISATION UPDATES
| The Events Industry Forum (EIF) has announced that it has now provided £211,000 in Purple Guide grants and funding for projects to support the UK outdoor events industry. With the recent launch of a new chapter on Licensing, the Purple Guide has now grown to 36 chapters with further chapters covering sustainability and vehicle-based events planned for launch in the Autumn. The Forum is currently inviting applications for the next round of grants which will take place in the Autumn. The deadline for applications is the 1st November, please click here for more information. PiPA enables parents, carers and employers to achieve a successful change in attitude resulting in a more inclusive workforce. They need your help by completing the Balancing Act survey detailing your work life balance within the performing arts sector. PiPA would like to hear from everyone, whether you are a parent, a carer or neither so they can advocate for better resources and work-life balance for all of us. Please complete the survey and share! The International Festival Forum (IFF) takes place from 26-28 September at a new Campus location in London Bridge this year. The invitation-only event is made up of booking agents and music festivals, with a schedule of agency showcases, debate, speed meetings and various networking events. More information about this year’s edition can be found here |
