AGM held today at independent cinema chain Everyman in Borough Yards

Talks explored “The Meaning of Independence”, continuing the theme of this year’s Independent Music Awards
Marks first year in role for CEO Gee Davy amid ongoing expansion of AIM’s local partnerships
Guest speakers included the AIF’s John Rostron and Amy Tarr of Creative UK

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) held its 2025 annual general meeting today at Everyman Cinema in London’s Borough Yards. To ensure inclusivity, the event was available online for members outside London or those otherwise unable to attend.

Following voting by AIM’s membership, the organisation has appointed the following new board members:
Aly Gillani (Director / Founder / A&R, First Word Records) — Gillani is founder of First Word Records, an imprint focussed on soul, hip hop, beats, jazz and more. He has been in independent music for 25 years, with experience in club promotion, radio, artist management, and label management, and is also Artist and Label Relations Lead at Bandcamp.

Helen Sims (Head of Label Operations & Partnerships, Communion Records) – Sims has worked for Communion for 15 years, playing a key role in its journey from a small startup to respected artist-focused label. She sits on AIM’s Small Labels Committee.

Mark Lippmann (Founder, Scruff Of The Neck Records) – Lippmann has built Manchester-based Scruff of the Neck from DIY beginnings into an established label, winning Best Small Label at the 2019 Independent Music Awards. He has been a Board Observer for the past year and co-chairs the Small Labels Committee.

Toby Egekwu (Label Founder, Finesse Foreva, and Publishing Exec, Sentric Music) – Co-founder of Finesse Foreva, Egekwu has served as AIM’s youngest ever Board Observer. He has secured the first UK rap/drill No.1 and delivers music education programmes for young people. He also works as a Publishing Executive for Believe/Sentric Music.

The four were elected from a pool of candidates reflecting the wide variety of genres, regions, business types, backgrounds and identities characteristic of the UK’s independent music sector. They replace outgoing board members Maya Kalev (Stones Throw Records), Nicole McKenzie (MIC Records), Stella Reid (Rough Bones) and Suzanne Lachapelle (Cooking Vinyl).

CEO Gee Davy expressed her appreciation for the organisation’s members in continuing to return high-calibre board members and noted that the board remains gender-balanced and diverse in a number of different ways.

Today’s annual general meeting continued with the theme of “the meaning of independence” that has run throughout AIM’s 2025 activity, including its conference programme and the Independent Music Awards. This was reflected in the choice of venue at independent cinema chain Everyman.

The meeting saw AIM reflect on the values of fairness, choice, and creativity that define the independent sector, and for which it has continued to advocate over the past year. These include the organisation’s ongoing campaigning for responsible AI development with music and in its opposition to over-consolidation in the market, highlighting the threats to artistic and business diversity.

AIM Chair and Director of Live Licensing at Beggars Group Ruth Barlow spoke about AIM’s voice as part of a growing global chorus of independents, including IMPALA, A2IM, Merlin, and the independent trade bodies across 43 countries represented by WIN, united in the same values of fairness, choice and creativity. Barlow stated that the independents’ voice is now louder, clearer and impossible to ignore.

Ruth Barlow said: “Every year, the AGM reminds me why AIM exists — not as an organisation standing above the community, but as part of it. The organisation is a reflection of its membership — the labels, distributors, managers, artists, and more — people who choose to do things differently. And if this past year has taught us anything, it’s that independence isn’t just a business model. It’s a mindset. A movement. A belief that when we come together we are stronger, more creative, and more impactful than we could ever be alone.”

A presentation from Small Labels Committee co-chairs Mark Lippmann and Stella Reid (Rough Bones) emphasised AIM’s renewed focus on helping to develop sustainable music businesses and support entrepreneurship. The two looked back at the success of AIM’s first ever live stage at a showcase event, with three days of great live independent music as part of The Great Escape’s Alternative Escape programming. Plans were announced for the development of a new label mentorship programme as well as for further live opportunities.

AIM’s Head of Membership Nina Radojewski spoke about the progress of the Music Climate Pact’s cross-industry sustainability work, sharing information about the launch of three working groups, including on improving climate literacy and specific actions needed in the physical and digital music spaces. Radojewski has been leading the project for AIM since 2023.

Over the past year, AIM has continued its work supporting music communities in all regions and nations of the UK with a wide range of local activities and events. After holding roundtables in a number of areas around the UK to understand the needs of music communities in different regions, AIM will now begin a second phase focussed on projects with local partners to build long-term value.

The meeting continued AIM’s tradition of inviting guest speakers to expand on its theme. Today’s guest speakers were Amy Tarr, Head of Policy at Creative UK, who explored opportunities for the independent music sector within the wider governmental Creative Sector Plan, while CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals John Rostron spoke on the meaning of independence and the priorities in the festival sector.

Marking a year since her appointment as CEO, Gee Davy commented on AIM’s latest achievements and introduced the organisation’s theme for 2026: “This past year, AIM has sharpened its purpose and reaffirmed its core values under our theme of ‘The Meaning of Independence.’ Our mission is clear: to level the playing field, and champion and support independent music communities across the UK, and beyond.

“We’ve expanded our reach through our Regions & Nations programme and Associate Membership, and partnered with friends and allies to deliver commercial and creative opportunities — from beatBread’s Global Independence Fund, to the live stage at The Great Escape, to the Music Climate Pact. We’ve celebrated members’ successes at The Independent Music Awards and raised their voices across critical issues, from AI to apprenticeships. We’re supercharging our Small Labels Committee to help build sustainable, ethical, artist-first businesses.

“Independents' strength comes from collaboration. Together, we overcome challenges and create success. That’s why our theme for 2026 is ‘Collective Strength.’ Let’s come together, amplify our impact, and shape the future of the music industry.”