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UK Trade Body LIVE Appoints New CEO
LIVE, the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment business, has today appointed hospitality industry expert Jon Collins as its new chief executive.
Formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, LIVE has been a driving force for the advancement of the UK sector. In two years, the group has kept live music in the politicians’ spotlight and managed to secure several wins – from improving the ability of musicians to tour post-Brexit, to successfully lobbying government for funding and support to deal with the crippling impacts of the pandemic.
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LIVE has since secured multi-year funding, guaranteeing its continued support for the sector and allowing the development of a longer-term focus.
The news comes as the Association of British Orchestras joins LIVE, bringing the association’s diverse member count up to 13.
Collins looks back on a 25-year career running representative organisations in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as chairman of the Institute of Licensing and the National Licensing Forum. He was also lead author for the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Night Time Commission for London and as a senior adviser to UK Hospitality, where Collins focused specifically on late night and music licensing issues.
He succeeds Greg Parmley, who led the body since its formation in 2020, and established LIVE as the organization representing the entire UK live music ecosystem.
Collins’ focus will be “to build on previous successes, driving progress on key issues ranging from boosting sustainability to creating an improved regulatory environment for the export and growth of the UK’s vibrant £4.5 billion live music industry,” according to the press release announcing his appointment.
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Collins said, “Like millions across the UK, I am a passionate supporter of live music, from local gigs to stadium shows. I am delighted to take on this role representing an industry that is a powerful economic performer, catalyst for domestic and international tourism, and a source of soft power for the UK across the globe. Our challenge is to ensure government, policymakers, and regulators fully understand the enormous value this industry creates, and that they continue to support our work.”
Parmley commented, “It has been a true honour to lead LIVE over the past two years. Despite experiencing some of the most challenging issues our sector has faced in decades, the industry has consistently displayed the vibrancy, energy and resilience which is at the heart of live music. I look forward to remaining close to this work as Jon takes LIVE to the next exciting stage of its journey.”