Entertainment retailers to launch Manifesto for the Music, Video and Games markets

19 February 2015 - Press release

The UK’s entertainment retailers and digital services will next week for the first time publish a Manifesto, outlining a five point plan to grow the music, video and games industries.
 
The report will highlight:
 
The transformational role of retailers in entertainment over the past decade – from creating the streaming revolution, spearheaded by Netflix and Spotify, to driving the vinyl revival;
 The benefits retail investment have delivered to consumers, creators and content companies;
The potential to grow the market even further;
And their recommendations to unleash that potential.

The ERA Manifesto will be unveiled at an event in central London on Tuesday 24 February 2015.
 
ERA Chief Executive Kim Bayley said, “Retailers and digital services have transformed the entertainment industry over the past decade to the benefit of both consumers and the music, video and games industries, but their job is not yet complete. We see the launch of the Manifesto as a vital next step in the growth of the entertainment market.”
 
Among the issues the Manifesto will tackle is simplifying the often tortuous process of licensing new digital services.
 
Speakers at Tuesday’s launch include representatives of Amazon, Spotify, Tesco, HMV and Banquet Records.
 
Guest speakers include artist manager Brian Message (Nick Cave, Radiohead, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Laura Mvula) and Founder and Chairman of the UK’s biggest independent music company, Beggars Group, Martin Mills.
 
ERA Chairman Raoul Chatterjee said, “We are particularly delighted that two of the most progressive voices in the entertainment industry should be joining us for the launch of the ERA Manifesto. It is vital that amid the structural change taking place in the entertainment business, forward-looking companies come together and drive a progressive agenda."