Managers embrace MMF training program and assessment, as a fresh report underscores their significant economic worth
The Music Managers Forum (MMF), a leading organisation representing music managers in the UK, has announced a new training and development programme for managers, complete with a tiered system of membership and a certification programme for professional development. This initiative comes alongside the publication of a new research report calculating the economic value that music managers bring to the UK music industry.
The report, conducted by RMR Research, Jem Associates, and The Hub, demonstrates that music managers contribute £714 million in value to the wider UK music industry. For every £1 invested in managers, £8 is generated for the sector as a whole. This value primarily benefits the livelihoods of artists, songwriters, and producers, representing 88% (£627m) of the overall total.
The MMF's new Manager Certification programme has received endorsements from industry heavyweights such as Sony Music UK and Beggars Group. Dickon Stainer, chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK, has expressed his support for the programme, while Annabella Coldrick, chief executive of the MMF, hopes it will instil greater acknowledgement and appreciation of the increased demands on managers.
The certification programme aims to set standards and engender greater recognition and understanding of the role played by members of the MMF's community. It was developed in partnership with experts including Prager Metis, SRLV, ICONAC, and Simkins LLP, and embeds the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) guidelines on ethical and professional standards.
The guide aims to help managers navigate the current investment landscape and make themselves more "investible". It covers key aspects of a manager's work and role, and is built around a two-hour exam. The first 30 "certified" managers are expected to be announced by mid-November. MMF members can access the guide for free.
The Manager Summit at London's Amazing Grace saw the publication of an all-new MMF Guide to Alternative Investment, sponsored by Sound Royalties. The subjects of management value and investment were discussed in detail at the Summit, featuring contributions from experts including Kim Frankiewicz, Rob Challice, Cam Blackwood, Jennifer Horton, Allesia Avallone, Maarten Puddy, Ric Salmon, Daniel Ross, and Chloe Roberts.
The move has already won backing from influential figures across the UK music business. Gee Davey, CEO of AIM, praised the MMF's new Manager Certification programme as a pathway to build on real-world experience, boost confidence, and formally recognize essential skills. David Martin, CEO of Featured Artists Coalition, stated that a professionally certified manager can help assure artists that their partner understands the creative vision and navigates the complex business landscape.
In addition to the new programme, the MMF has announced the election of two new board members: Elise Brown, founder of Revere Arts, and Sarah Abbott, finance director at Wildlife Entertainment. Jill Hollywood (Echo Beach Management) and Hide Whone (Theory Management) were re-elected to the MMF board.
The report can be downloaded from a provided link. Paul Bonham, professional development manager of the MMF, stated that the Certification Programme aims to set standards and engender greater recognition and understanding of the role played by members of the MMF's community.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the MMF's new initiatives aim to provide managers with the tools and resources they need to succeed in this dynamic landscape.
For more information, visit the MMF's website.
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