The Association of Independent Music (AIM) held its 2025 annual general meeting at Everyman Cinema in London’s Borough Yards (November 4).
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)
– Helen Sims (head of label operations & partnerships, Communion Records)
– Mark Lippmann (founder, Scruff Of The Neck Records)
– Toby Egekwu (label founder, Finesse Foreva, and publishing exec, Sentric Music)
The four were elected from a pool of candidates reflecting the wide variety of genres, regions, business types, backgrounds and identities within the UK’s independent music sector.
They replaced outgoing board members Maya Kalev (Stones Throw Records), Nicole McKenzie (MIC Records), Stella Reid (Rough Bones) and Suzanne Lachapelle (Cooking Vinyl).
CEO Gee Davy noted that the board remains gender-balanced and diverse in a number of different ways.
The 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.
AIM’s ongoing campaigning includes responsible AI development with music and in its opposition to over-consolidation in the market.
Ruth Barlow, AIM chair and director of live licensing at Beggars Group, spoke about AIM’s voice as part of a growing global collection of independents, including IMPALA, A2IM, Merlin, and the independent trade bodies across 43 countries represented by WIN.
Let’s come together, amplify our impact, and shape the future of the music industry
Gee Davy
“Every year, the AGM reminds me why AIM exists – not as an organisation standing above the community, but as part of it,” said Barlow. “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.
AIM’s head of membership Nina Radojewski spoke about the progress of the Music Climate Pact’s cross-industry sustainability work.
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 focused on projects with local partners.
Guest speakers included Amy Tarr, head of policy at Creative UK, who explored opportunities for the independent music sector within the wider governmental Creative Sector Plan, and Association of Independent Festivals CEO John Rostron.
Marking a year since her appointment as CEO, Gee Davy said: “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.”
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