“Taking Care of Business”

MPG EVENT REPORT
‘TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS’ Running Your Own Studio- October 8th 2008

The Panel:

Penny Ganz – Music and Media Lawyer
Jo Taylor – Robertson Taylor Insurance
Alan Carter – Leonard Jones & co, ccountants
Mick Glossop – Independent Music Producer and Studio Owner
Phil Harding (Moderator) – Independent Music Producer and Studio Owner

PRS very kindly gave us the use of their basement bar / cafeteria for this event and the food provided was enjoyed by all. The turn out for this event was excellent, quite a few of the masters students at Westminster University took up the opportunity to come along, as did some extra guests invited from the songwriters association BACS, plus some of our APRS friends.
Phil Harding moderated a lively panel and controlled an interactive audience, covering such subjects as;
Legal Obligations / contracts for studio owners / small businesses Insurance obligations / liabilities / advice for studio owners Tax and Accountancy advice for Freelance individuals and small business Practical and technical advice Producer contracts / Producer Royalties PPL Producer claims and registrations.
Alan Carter admirably answered all accountancy questions fired at him by panel and audience alike, Jo Taylor pointed out some important issues that some of us were unaware of. Such as, even if you are a 1-man-band studio operating from home and you hire an occasional assistant or give work experience to students, you need to have employers insurance. Details of how to contact Jo at Robertson Taylor Insurance can be found in the members’ benefits section of the mpg website.
Penny Ganz answered a number of legal questions from the audience and further explanation about performing producer PPL payments was left until the AGM in November 2008 which was kindly hosted by PPL.

Andrew Subramanium of our new MPG Tax and Accountancy advisors HW Fisher was unable to join us but their details and services on offer to MPG members are on the MPG Website.