MI Pro

The current economic climate is impacting greatly on our industry and I am now getting regular calls from retailers and suppliers in relation to what the MIA is doing to help.

I have been delighted with the genuinely supportive and constructive ideas you are offering, helping us all through these difficult times. Many existing members will be aware that the association is doing a great deal to support your businesses and help preserve the jobs and the skill sets that are the fundamental foundation of our industry.

It seems clear you are glad the industry has a central body to lobby government, produce statistics, put on industry shows (such as LIMS), work with educationalists and negotiate and provide additional support and benefits for your businesses.

This is not always met with a desire to pay the membership fee and actually be part of this body – which is a shame.

The more members, the easier it becomes to lobby and present the case for our great industry.

It is harder when we only represent parts of the industry, for all the reasons you can imagine – especially in the current climate.

A successful LIMS this June will be a great boost for the industry and will encourage more people to take up playing an instrument or to buy another new one.

We need you all to consider how you can support the event, whether you are exhibiting as a supplier, retailing or visiting the show in person. How can you help us to get as many people to the show as possible? We need to give the customers every reason to make a purchase in these difficult times, not just at the show, but from your store and LIMS is aiming to do just that.

We will also be working with Music for Youth, the biggest music charity in the world, as our Education Partner at the show. It has a database of millions of young musicians and we want them all at LIMS.

Another positive aspect of increased MIA membership is the bargaining power it gives us when negotiating the wide range of benefits we can provide for your businesses.

Our powers to influence government, the record industry, regional development agencies and the Charities Commission are dependant on us being representative of all the retailers and suppliers in our industry.

Everybody has opinions and ideas, but unless we harness and act on these democratically and collectively, we will never move forward. There is still far too much apathy and negativity in the industry. There has never been a more important time for you to be part of our association, so join us and let’s make a difference.

MIA: 01372 750600

For membership details go to mia.org.uk or contact Jon at jongold@ashtonmusic.co.uk.