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SOUTHPORT MUSICIANS GET FIRST ALBUM DEAL
GIFTED,
young Southport musicians Nathan Fairweather and Eddie Cox,
currently studying at the ‘rock and roll music college’
Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM), have been selected to
feature on an album released in September.
Named after Brighton’s crumbling West Pier – ‘How to Mend A
Broken Pier, Vol.5’ will include 12 of the unique college’s best
new talent with all proceeds going to charity. Solo artists and
bands were chosen after a gruelling selection process by a
professional music panel.
Bass guitarist Nathan, and drummer Eddie, both aged 19, are in the
Murray Hughes band and perform on the track ‘Chertsey’. Nathan
said:- “I’m ecstatic that our track has been chosen for BIMM’s
new album, it really is a great achievement for us. We have enjoyed
the whole experience and learnt so much as a result, the hard work
really has paid off!”
Sarah Clayman, former Sony international promotions manager and BIMM
director, said:- “Making this album has given artists the kind
of experience that most young musicians can only dream of. The
students have been able to shine in a truly professional environment
and work with some of the leading people in the music industry.
Our aim at BIMM is to give students the best possible start in the
music industry, helping them develop and become successful
professional musicians when they leave us. The college’s album
speaks for itself – our students are career-ready when they start in
the industry and act like professionals from the outset because of
the unique experiences they’ve had at the college.”
The album, priced at
£10, can be purchased from a variety of online shops and
independent record stockists around the UK. It will be sold in aid
of charity with all proceeds going to the Nordoff Robins Music
Therapy Centre – a professional music therapy centre for adults and
children with a wide range of needs in the UK and abroad.
‘How to Mend A Broken Pier, Vol.5’ will be released on South
Coast Sounds – a label set up to help the development of young new
artists. The label motto is to release great music – no matter the
genre. An eclectic mix of music can be found at South Coast Sounds
from rock to jazz, from folk to metal, visit
www.south-coast-sounds.co.uk. |
Senior executives struggle to juggle as priorities compete for
attention
SENIOR
executives across the North West admit they are struggling to manage
conflicting priorities, as demand for their attention is split
between strategic planning, stakeholder management and personal
needs. Research, published by the Chartered Management Institute,
reveals that managers and leaders in the region are highly
motivated, but worry that the challenges they face will affect their
ability to perform.
The research shows that an overwhelming majority in the North West
(86%) grapple with the challenge of ‘prioritising work’. 66%
claim to have ‘little time to think’ and 54% in the region
also say they struggle to find ‘time for strategic planning’.
Only 5 in 10 find it easy to make time for their staff, while a
similar proportion (43%) are diverted by internal politics.
Worryingly, the research also shows that respondents in the North
West find it hard to manage personal needs. 47% find their own
administration a challenge, 50% often find it hard to get home on
time and only 1 in 10 in the region strongly agree they can relax in
their free time. Asked about challenges faced by their
employers, the research shows that striving to reach daily goals can
be at the expense of long-term success. Key findings include:
Daily diverts:- 66% admit that ‘finishing tasks’
is a
battle. 44% of respondents in the North West blame an organisational
culture of ‘meeting overload’ for this, with the same amount
(44%) also saying that ‘meeting preparation time’ diverts too
much attention
Innovation a low priority:- only 15% in the region believe ‘innovation’
is a challenge, so it is a concern that the majority (69%) claim new
product development is not high on the organisational agenda. In
terms of long-term growth it is also a worry that 63% view ‘seeking
new markets for products and services’ as unimportant
Development doldrums:- despite 81% of organisations struggling
to recruit the best candidates, only 1 in 3 respondents in the North
West claim that internal talent management is important to their
employer and just 41% agree with the statement that they ‘understand
how their career will progress’
The research also shows managers are worried that such narrow
approaches will affect performance. However the survey shows that
managers in the North West are determined to succeed. 83% can’t wait
to ‘get up in the morning’ and 75% claim they find it easy to
‘keep positive’. There is also a clear indication of
camaraderie, with 76% turning to colleagues for support.
Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the
Chartered Management Institute, says:- “In the current
climate, prioritising a multitude of responsibilities and tasks at
work is a real challenge for managers. Organisations need to provide
a supportive and open environment so individuals can dedicate time
to developing fresh ideas for the future of the business. The lack
of professional training and development is also a concern. If UK
employers fail to invest in the skills and competencies of
individuals, there will be a serious impact on how well the UK
performs on a global market in the future.”
Reacting to the findings, the Chartered Management Institute has
created a freely downloadable resource to help individuals juggle
priorities and manage more effectively. A series of management
checklists, diagnostic tools and general advice is available via a
specially created
website. |
