Government support welcomed by DHP

George ​ Akins, owner of DHP Family,​ has welcomed the findings of 13 March’s Spring Statement, which the Chancellor laid out in Parliament.

He said: “We welcome the government looking more urgently at business rates for music venues.  This is far from being the only issue.  Rent increases, unhelpful bureaucracy and redevelopments are all hitting small venues especially in the capital.

“Fundamentally small venues showcasing grass roots, contemporary music should be seen as cultural venues – in the same way as concert halls and arts theatres – which are eligible for subsidies. We are in great danger of losing the bedrock that has enabled the UK to be one of the world’s greatest.”