A new four year business strategy by Brass Bands England has been supported by a European funded partnership programme.

BBE recently committed itself to a comprehensive plan for growth and modernisation, with a new website the centrepiece of its aim to spearhead a well managed renaissance in brass banding in England.

Support

Support for the implementation has come from Enterprising Barnsley, a European-funded programme delivered by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

BBE Liaison & Development Officer Rachel Veitch-Straw told 4BR: "We have set ourselves clear aims to increase public awareness and appreciation of brass bands.

We aim to provide bands with professional support to help them thrive as viable community enterprises in the 21st century."

Modern outlook

Enterprising Barnsley Business Development Manager Andy Arnold added: "It’s been a pleasure to help Brass Bands England develop into a strong not-for-profit company with a modern outlook.

They are supporting a cultural sector with a treasured national heritage and the future looks bright for brass banding with the full force of Brass Bands England behind the movement."

Information hub

Over the next four years the partnership hopes to develop the BBE website as an interactive information-sharing hub, as well as helping to negotiate new deals with commercial suppliers to brass bands, such as insurance providers, outfitters and events management companies.

It also aims to promote brass band sponsorship opportunities amongst businesses and better connect brass bands in to wider creative industry and arts activities.

We aim to provide bands with professional support to help them thrive as viable community enterprises in the 21st centuryBE Liaison & Development Officer Rachel Veitch-Straw

Accessibility

Brass Bands England will also hold more of its business development, social media and marketing workshops for volunteers, and plans to improve accessibility by live web-streaming.

Rachel added: “In part we aim to lead by example. The support from Enterprising Barnsley has been brilliant and the business coaching and web development expertise we’ve received has already helped us achieve a great deal.”

4BR understands that before the end of 2018, Brass Bands England hopes to significantly increase its membership and recruit two more members of staff to its existing three-strong team.