Rochdale-based IBB Media has received a £100,000 loan to fund the growth of its digital platform for brass bands.
IBB was incorporated in 2018 and developed digital platform BrassPass TV to connect brass bands and enthusiasts. It currently has more than 1,200 subscribers and draws 75% of its audience from overseas.
The site features live streams of major concerts including this year’s Band of the Year contest, content from contributors, profiles of major musical figures, a video magazine to focus on community and youth bands and is in the process of building the brass world’s biggest content archive.
The Fund is delivered by GC Business Finance and the loan will be used to buy cameras and recording equipment, develop and generate content for the website and to start production of a virtual reality project designed to connect brass band enthusiasts.
The loan will also create full time jobs alongside IBB’s freelance talent pool, which includes BAFTA winning producer Simon Powell and former Listen to the Band BBC presenters and producers Frank Renton and Terry Carter.
IBB owner Martin Gernon (above) said: “The audience for brass band music is growing every year, with musicians and enthusiasts alike keen to come together to share events and expertise.
“We developed BrassPass as a platform to bring all of these interests together and are committed to making the very best in the business, both at home and overseas.
“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.”
