It has been reported in the Business Manchester on-line publication that IBB Media Limited (IBB), owners of British Bandsman magazine and BrassPass TV has been supported by a £100,000 loan to fund the growth of its digital platform.
The Greater Manchester Export Loan Fund is delivered by GC Business Finance, who have also introduced IBB to the Department for International Trade (DIT), part of The Growth Company.
The release states that BrassPass TV currently has over 1200 subscribers and draws 75% of its audience from overseas.
Equipment and jobs
It was reported that the loan would be used to buy cameras and recording equipment, as well as to generate unique content and to start production of a virtual reality 'on stage experience' project.
The loan will also help create full time jobs alongside IBB's freelance talent of producer Simon Powell and former Listen to the Band BBC presenters and producers Frank Renton and Terry Carter.
Global audience
IBB owner Martin Gernon is reported as stating: "The audience for brass band music is growing every year, with musicians and enthusiasts alike keen to come together to share events and expertise.
This investment from the Export Fund means that we are now able to deliver a really exciting programme of new content and collaborations, designed to keep our global audience entertained, engaged and expanding."
IBB is powered by some of the UK's foremost figures in music and broadcasting, all of whom are passionate about building a truly connected brass band communityAndrew Nichols, Senior Loans Manager at GC Business Finance
Foremost figures
In response, Andrew Nichols, Senior Loans Manager at GC Business Finance, stated: "IBB is powered by some of the UK's foremost figures in music and broadcasting, all of whom are passionate about building a truly connected brass band community.
The GM Export Loan Fund was developed to support exactly this type of innovative and ambitious business and we're proud to be working closely with Martin and his collaborators to develop this unique platform and to reach new territories across the globe."
