IBB Media Ltd, the company behind the production of the BrassPass.tv brand has been acquired by Centre Stage Group Ltd.

It follows the company's recent launch into the live-streaming market place, which has included productions at the European Championships in Utrecht and the Whit Friday march contest at Delph.

Resigned

The announcement also states that Kenny Crookston, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Brass Bands England, has resigned as a Director of IBB Media Ltd with immediate effect, and will have no further involvement in the company.

IBB Media Ltd was set up in February 2018 by directors Kenny Crookston and Martin Gernon and launched the BrassPass brand with the assistance of Dave Kinross.

Its current ownership now resides with Director Martin Gernon, the Managing Director of Centre Stage Group Ltd.

Increased workload

Martin told 4BR: "The instant success of the BrassPass brand has brought about an increased workload for all the directors and shareholders.

Kenny Crookston, who has become Chief Executive of Brass Bands England since IBB Media was formed in February, informed us prior to the European Championships in Utrecht that balancing both roles would be impossible and, after fulfilling his final BrassPass commitment on Whit Friday, has resigned his Director position and will leave the company with immediate effect.

Pressure of work also means that David Kinross will step down but continue in the interim to ensure a smooth transition to a new technical team."

He added: "The aim is to build an in-house technical and marketing team that will service what has quickly become a global communications exercise, with subscribers in over 40 countries.

The company will benefit from the strength of the Centre Stage Group and have the investment, infrastructure and personnel required in making BrassPass a huge success."

The company will benefit from the strength of the Centre Stage Group and have the investment, infrastructure and personnel required in making BrassPass a huge successCentre Stage Group MD, Martin Gernon

No compromise

Meanwhile, Kenny Crookston commented: "Dave and I are very proud to have been involved in the foundation of BrassPass and to have played a role in defining the ethos of the business from the outset.

Personally speaking, my work with BBE cannot, and will not, be compromised for any reason, but I am happy that BrassPass's higher-than-expected growth curve signals a very bright future for this innovative venture."

He added: "We both know the company will succeed in Martin's hands and we wish him and the business the very best in the months and years ahead."