Dorset Music Forum continued their successful series of Insight sessions on Wednesday (16th September) by inviting Chris Knight and Mike Rundle from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global markets, to talk about the help available to those working in the creative sector, and how to go about securing it.

DMF HQ was packed with musicians, bands, promoters, publishers and more to listen to the two speakers explain UKTI’s crucial role as knowledge base for and mediator between the UK music industry and the rest of the world. As a government department, it might not seem the most immediate source of assistance for musicians, promoters, labels and publishers, but, like any industry, the music and creative industry is a vastly lucrative one both within the UK and across the globe. UKTI’s remit extends to providing individuals, artists and companies involved in music with the resources to help their commercial activity outside of the UK. The services UKTI typically offer are expertise and contacts, but this help comes in a range of methods.

Bands looking to tour across a certain country, for example, can be put in touch with promoters and venue contacts; UKTI can advise on where around the world markets exist for a band’s style of music; UKTI even has funding available to support the bands they feel are on the verge of a major breakthrough, by taking them to global music exhibitions and showcases, looking for that all important record label interest: the recent success story to this end is raucous rockers Dananananaykroyd, who successfully debuted at SXSW earlier this year. By helping bands find agents and distributors all around the world too, UKTI can provide the right business contacts every musician craves.

The most important thing for a band working with UKTI, stressed Chris Knight, is to start thinking like a business. Having the organisation of a business-like set up automatically puts musicians in the position of having a product – themselves as performers or their recorded music – suitable to be traded and invested in. The bottom line in the music industry is that eventually, someone has to dip into their pocket, and for artists looking to succeed outside of the UK, the best chance they can give themselves is to have something original, tangible and valuable that can offer a return on investment – for all involved.

UKTI’s network of contacts throughout the music industry worldwide, and their counterparts in major cities like New York, Toronto, Berlin, Paris and Tokyo, pull together their expertise to help more than just bands and musicians, however. Labels and licensers can get help attracting interest from overseas acts into their own ventures, as can gig promoters – essentially, UKTI’s agility means they can provide their expert market and contact knowledge to apply to the individual requirements of each person getting in touch.

And getting in touch is exactly what UKTI and Dorset Music Forum are encouraging musicians and music services in Dorset to do. Mike Rundle will be holding regular ‘surgery’ sessions at the DMF offices, discussing the many options available to South West-based artists and companies and offering free advice on next steps, strategy and planning, and how to go about funding projects. Contact Mike Rundle at UK Trade and Investments by e-mailing enquiries@uktisouthwest.org or speak to DMF Volunteer, Nadia at Dorset Music Forum to arrange an appointment with Mike. Take advantage of this fantastic music business resource with UKTI’s South West representatives, and start planning a strategy for global domination!

Next DMF Insights - How To Apply For Funding - Tues 13th Oct, 6.30pm til 8.30pm. Everyone welcome and must book online at www.dorsetmusic.com