Having already won the top accolade in 2012 and 2013, we are once again looking to scoop the 2015 title (it was recently established that winners are not eligible to be nominated for the same category the following year).
Coming off the back of an extremely strong year for us, the Live Music Business Award would recognise a period of sustained growth across all areas of the business. Staff levels have grown from 225 in 2006 to 420 today, with the main operation in Nottingham and a growing team based permanently in London. Turnover has grown from £14m in 2013 to £21m in 2014, thanks to the addition of our London venue Oslo and a massive increase in the concert business.
A undoubted milestone has been the hat-trick of triumphant stadium concerts from Ed Sheeran at Wembley in July. Having supported Ed early on in his career with sets at our Dot To Dot Festival, we were delighted to play a part in his deserved success, as the co-promoter of the three sold out Wembley shows.
Two of our venues are up for the Best Club under 800 award. The enormously well regarded Oslo in Hackney, London, the newest of our portfolio and already a leading light on the capital’s live music scene and the Rescue Rooms, in Nottingham, which has just enjoyed a record year after a string of sell out shows from the likes of The Staves, Amber Run, Wolf Alice and Slaves. With the Best Small Club already being held by our Thekla venue in Bristol, and our iconic Rock City venue holding the Best Major Club title, the strength and depth of the venue portfolio is evident.
And lastly, two of our major outdoor festivals are up for Best Festival (cap 15,000-39,999). No Tomorrow was extended to two days in 2015 with a stellar mix of breaking new music and chart toppers – including huge headline sets by John Newman and Jessie Ware as well as performances from James Bay, DJ Fresh, Gorgon City and Hannah Wants – to the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Park, Nottingham.
And the final award nomination is for Splendour, our 20,000 capacity event with its incredibly well received line up of The Specials, James, Bananarama, Lawson and Indiana making it one of the best in its eight year history.
Anton Lockwood, our Director of Promotions, said: “Of course, we’re really pleased to be shortlisted for so many awards, including the big one! But really it’s business as usual at DHP. We always strive for excellence, whether it’s as a festival or concerts promoter or a venue operator, but it’s great when this is recognised by our peers too.”
Votes can now be cast for the shortlisted nominees on the Live Music Awards website – www.livemusicawards.co.uk – up until August 30, with the a final shortlist of three announced ahead of the gala presentation ceremony at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel on October 15.
Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise the people who drive the country’s contemporary live music industry, whether it’s excellence and talent among promoters, venue operators, festival organisers and agents, through to artiste managers, tour managers, show producers, brand impact and record label partnerships.
Vote now: www.livemusicawards.co.uk