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A
new survey by the Incorporated Society of Musicians has revealed how
the Brexit Trade Deal has been a disaster for businesses such as tour
operators, instrument manufacturers and retailers as well as those
involved in recording, music publishing and sale of music. One performer
even said ‘the era of being a UK-based concert artist is pretty much
over’.
It found that:
The
survey went on to explore the reasons for this crisis. The most common
problems were the additional paperwork (72%), change in transportation
costs (56%) and disruption at UK borders (47%). But other concerns
included customs duties or levies (45%) and custom clearance problems
(44%) and destination countries changing their border restrictions
(33%).
Comments from the survey included:
‘Most European promoters (orchestras etc) now do not want to book UK artists as it will involve too much paperwork and expense.’
‘If
it doesn't improve then I am deeply concerned about whether I can
remain profitable and will be able to carry on. I may have to abandon my
UK artists.’
‘It's not viable for a small business like us to pay for all the hassle of performing in Europe.’
ISM Chief Executive Deborah Annetts said:
‘We
have clear evidence that the first 100 days of the Brexit Trade Deal
have been a disaster for music businesses. There is near-unanimous
agreement that it has already had a negative impact and only a tiny
minority believe that the Government guidance was in any way adequate in
preparing businesses. It is time to move beyond partisan politics and
urgently develop effective solutions before even more music businesses
are ruined or are forced to move their operations to the EU. The
creative industries make an enormous contribution to the health, economy
and global reputation of the UK and we need the Prime Minister to
deliver on his promise to sort this mess out.’
More information
The Financial Times ran an exclusive story on the ISM survey.
The survey was conducted in March and April 2021 and had 78 respondents.
Further findings included:
Reducing
the bureaucratic and regulatory burdens facing music businesses and
wider creative industry is the urgent priority. With over two-thirds of
respondents have considered moving some or all of their operations to
the EU and almost one in ten have already begun moving, we need a
significant intervention to save our sector. To achieve this, we are
calling on the UK Government to deliver the following measures.
Movement of goods
Movement of people
Supporting our sector