Music Venue Trust Announces New Co-Chairs and Expanded Board Governance as Sector Faces Critical Year Ahead

17 December 2025 - Press release

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced key changes to its Board of Trustees as the organisation prepares for the challenges of 2026.

Chris Prosser and Jane Beese have been appointed as Co-Chairs, strengthening MVT’s leadership at a pivotal moment for the sector.

Chris Prosser, a founding member of the Board, previously served as Chair from MVT’s inception in 2014 until September 2019. He recently stepped in as interim Co-Chair, and this announcement is a formal recognition of that position. Jane Beese, who became a trustee in September 2023, has been a key supporter of MVT since its inception, hosting Venues Day 2014 at Southbank Centre and Venues Day 2016 at The Roundhouse during her leadership roles at each organisation.
MVT also recognises and thanks Phyllis Belezos, who steps down as Co-Chair after four years of service. She will continue to contribute her expertise as a trustee.

The existing board further strengthens its governance with the addition of new trustee Madeleine Blyth, a placemaking and town centre partnerships specialist. Her appointment brings the total number of MVT trustees to 16 and adds further depth to an already diverse and highly skilled board.

This strengthened leadership is critical as the UK’s GMVs continue to face significant operational and financial pressures. MVT’s 2025 Annual Report, set for publication on 21st January 2026, will present data drawn from the organisation’s most extensive sector survey to date, covering 801 GMVs across the UK.

Ongoing financial instability continues to affect all aspects of venue operations and small-scale touring, reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable policy interventions. Key priorities for MVT remain the full implementation of the £1 Grassroots Levy and continued discussions with Government around business rates, VAT, licensing, planning, and employment conditions across the sector.

Beverley Whitrick, Chief Operating Officer of Music Venue Trust, said, “As we prepare for what will be an enormously challenging year for grassroots music, it has never been more important for MVT to draw on the full breadth of experience, commitment, and strategic thinking across our board. The appointment of Chris and Jane as Co-Chairs, alongside the addition of Madeleine’s expertise, strengthens our ability to advocate effectively for the venues, artists, and communities who depend on this essential cultural network. We are deeply grateful to Phyllis for her leadership and continued service as a trustee, and we remain resolutely focused on delivering the structural changes the sector urgently needs.”

Chris Prosser said, “Our grassroots venues remain under extraordinary pressure, and MVT’s role in supporting and defending them has never been more vital. I’m honoured to return to a Co-Chair role at this critical moment, working alongside Jane and the rest of the board to push for the long-term solutions and policy interventions the sector urgently requires. We know what needs to be done, now it’s about securing the change that keeps these spaces alive.”

Jane Beese, Co-Chair of the MVT Board of Trustees, said, “Grassroots venues are where artists find their voice and where communities come together. I have believed in the mission of MVT since day one, and I’m delighted to be stepping into this leadership role at such a critical time. The challenges are significant, but so is the determination across this organisation to protect and grow the UK’s cultural foundations. I look forward to working with Chris, the board, and the whole MVT team to drive meaningful, lasting impact.