LIVE Newsletter – 25.08.23
25.08.2023.Sign up here to receive LIVE’s bi-weekly newsletter direct to your inbox!
A1 Forms Ongoing Delays; Update from DLUHC
| While previously within our LIVE Touring group, we had heard that the processing time for A1 forms had fallen to around 10 weeks, we were recently contacted by two members expressing frustration that forms were taking eight months or more to be received (with one artist waiting over a year). This sort of delay can impact cashflow as we are aware that some European promoters are using the absence of an A1 form to hold onto all the social security deductions at their end. Furthermore, in some countries there is a four-month timeframe after a show to provide the forms, so you in effect lose that tax if you cannot get the form in time. Working with colleagues at Department for Business and Trade, LIVE has been able to identify the relevant contact at HMRC, who has now provided the following update: “Since the beginning of the year, we have been working to reduce waiting times for applications, and these are now much shorter. We are working to respond to A1 applications received by post within the expected target of 40 days, and applications that are received digitally within the expected target of 15 days. In response to customer feedback, HMRC introduced a new online version of form CA3822 in June to improve the A1 application process. We also introduced a new attachment facility for customers to add supporting evidence to the current A1 application forms and also recruiting more resource to help speed up the processing of applications. We are also looking to automate the processing of some applications received through the forms. If anyone is concerned about their social security position while working abroad, they can contact HMRC by calling 0300 200 3500 (or +44 19 1203 7010 from overseas)”. While this information is useful, LIVE continues to hear from members with their own experience of very long delays in processing times. We have raised our concerns with officials and continue to push for resolution. We will also pick this up with Ministers so please do continue to send through your own experiences. |
Utilita Arena Birmingham signs up to be the latest Committed Partner to LIVE’s ED&I, Wellbeing & Sustainability programme, LIVE Talks
| Joining some of the world’s leaders in live music, Utilita Arena Birmingham has signed up to be the latest committed partner to the LIVE Talks programme, alongside AEG, Kilimanjaro Live, Live Nation, Serious and SJM Concerts. As the 9th talk of the series is announced, in partnership with Tonic Rider on post-festival peer support for artists and backstage workers, LIVE continues to see a flurry of free sign-ups across the industry, with its previous talks having reached over a thousand people from our industry already, making positive contributions to people’s experiences working in the sector. Guy Dunstan, Managing Director at NEC Group for Ticketing and Arenas says “The NEC Group massively values the work LIVE do for our industry, and these talks are another example of the great resources LIVE provides. Working in an industry as fast-moving as ours, it’s important to refresh our knowledge on key topics such as the ones the LIVE Talks cover — this is why we have committed to supporting the series.” Show your support by becoming a Committed Partner of the LIVE Talks series, email gaby@livemusic.biz for more information. For further information on past and future sessions, please visit: www.livemusic.biz/live-talks |
LIVE Talks LIVE debuts at FFWD London
| Building on her successful curation of the LIVE Talks programme, LIVE’s Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright will be convening a panel at next month’s FFWD London. 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. |
LIVE welcomes ISM’s sixth Brexit report: Paying the price
| An important addition to the ongoing calls for EU touring reform, the ISM’s new report, Paying the price, about the impact of Brexit draws on testimony from over 400 musicians and those in the music industry who have worked in Europe since January 2021. The report show that the restrictions introduced by the Trade and Cooperation Act (TCA) have had an enormously damaging effect on musicians’ ability to work in Europe, the market on our doorstep: Almost half (47.4%) of the respondents said that they had less work in the EU after January 2021 than they did before Brexit; over a quarter (27.8%) said that they had no EU work at all Over a third (39%) of respondents had had to turn down work since 1 January 2021; 40% had had work cancelled in the same period The most frequently cited expense was for visas and work permits (23%), followed by carnets (18%) and travel costs (14%) These findings underscore the need for the sort of action advanced by LIVE directly to Government and via our work on the Domestic Advisory Group to the TCA. Job offers drying up, uneconomic tours and the increasing blocker that is the 90-day limit are all referenced in the report. Unsurprisingly, its recommendations are in line with LIVE’s own requests: 1. Negotiate a bespoke Visa Waiver Agreement (VWA) with the EU that allows UK artists and their support staff to work in any part of the EU for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days. 2. Negotiate bilateral agreements for work permits with individual EU Member States which do not currently offer cultural exemptions for work of up to 90 days. 3. Unilaterally reduce the cost of the ATA Carnet for cultural goods and work towards a cultural exemption for musical instruments and equipment. 4. Negotiate a cabotage exemption for the creative industries with the EU. 5. Make Eurostar St Pancras a CITES designated Point of Entry or Exit, digitise Musical Instrument Certificate applications and keep them free. 6. Streamline merchandise paperwork applications and provide clear guidance for musicians. 7. Raise the issue of the 90 in 180-day limit with the EU and seek a reciprocal arrangement similar to the UK’s Creative Worker (Temporary Work) visa. |
LIVE to join with Metro Mayors in call for action on EU Touring
| LIVE CEO, Jon Collins has been invited to meet with metro mayors from across the UK to discuss how they can support artists in their regions while fostering international links and seeking reform at an EU and member state level. The meeting will be part of LIVE’s involvement in Beyond The Music a new music conference and festival taking place in Manchester this October and seeking to unify the global music industry through debate, decision making, inspiring talks and unforgettable live music. Figures from Best for Britain published in May, suggest that the number of British musicians playing festivals across Europe this season is a third lower than before Brexit. And yet, every UK city is lucky enough to benefit from live music, with heritage and current acts delighting millions and driving domestic and international tourism. LIVE will be asking the metro mayors to work with us on protecting that legacy while enabling the artists of tomorrow to find their place in the world. Collectively we can lead the fightback, and make sure live music remains a key part of Britain’s global influence. |
AIP Announce the Appointment of 9 New Board Members
Association of Independent Promoters has announced the appointment of nine new directors, including six Executive Board Members and three Non-Executive Board Members. All directors had previously served on the AIP Advisory Board. Anna Moulson of Melting Vinyl and Luke Hinton of Juicebox Live Promotions have taken up positions as co-chairs of the organisation. The AIP remains an important voice for independent promoters across the UK and a valued contributor to the LIVE Board.
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.
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 |
MEMBER UPDATES
| AFEM updates: – Ticketmaster has now joined AFEM, read more here – AFEM to host webinar ‘BELEM Project Presentation: All you need to know about music lyrics’ on Tuesday 5 September,16:00 – 17:00 UK / 17.00 – 18.00 CET, Presented by: David Serras Pereira – Unison Rights. The European BELEM project webinars are focused on capacity building and providing a comprehensive set of models, pointing out platforms and solutions for European publishers to learn about publishing rights, lyrics rights, lyrics monetisation, lyric aggregation, and much more, join via Zoom: Zoom Link Here AFO Conference on 10th Feb 2024 at the Silk Mill, Derby. Tickets on sale now, for tickets and more information click here! FAC updates: – FAC CEO, David Martin spoke to Music Ally’s Joe Sparrow for the Focus podcast, covering merch commission, live touring realities, supporting new talent and dark albums. – FAC‘s Artist and Manager Awards 2023 – Save the Date, 23 November 2023! The Artist & Manager Awards remains a truly unique event and is a wonderful opportunity to shine a combined light on both the talent of UK artists and those who support them behind the scenes. The FAC are asking FAC and MMF members, plus partners, to nominate artists and managers who they think would be worthy of recognition and can be done 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! PLASA Show – free registration now open! The world of live entertainment technology will once again convene at Olympia London from 3-5 September for PLASA Show 2023. The key international show will connect 200+ exhibitors with 5,000+ visitors, who can now register free until 31 August. PLASA Show features cutting-edge technologies from respected brands spanning pro audio, stage lighting, audio-visual, staging and rigging. In addition, the three-day event will host 70+ inspiring talks, immersive demos and practical training sessions, led by some of the industry’s brightest thinkers. Register free: www.plasashow.com |
