New music promoter qualification gets industry approval

A new qualification for music promoters, which is being developed by awarding body BIIAB with the support of the Met Police, has been given the seal of approval by some of the top names in the music business.

Following the pilot run of BIIAB's Level 2 Award for Music Promoters (AMP), Ray Paul, executive producer of BBC Radio 1's live events, said: "I found the course invaluable and very thorough. I learnt many things about areas I knew little about and I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about working in, and promoting, events."

Mike Anthony of BBC Radio 1 Xtra's Rampage also took part in the pilot. He added: "Being on this workshop has highlighted aspects of the industry that are taken for granted and overlooked generally. It also raises awareness, especially for new promoters, as well as encouraging a sense of responsibility."

The AMP qualification is set to be launched in early 2010.

The project was instigated by the clubs and vice division of the Metropolitan Police, who approached BIIAB to create a qualification which would encourage professionalism and best practice within this niche industry.

Chief Inspector Adrian Studd of the Met Police Clubs and Vice Unit said: "BIIAB has our full support in the development of this award which we believe will help set and maintain the highest standards in the field of music promotion."

Candidates for the AMP pilot included music promoters, club operators and local authority representatives. The AMP has already been accredited by the qualifications regulator Ofqual.

For more information contact BIIAB on 01276 684449.