Theatre Tax Relief, West End Producing and Theatre Investment: David Babani on Building Successful Productions

Theatre Tax Relief, West End Producing and Theatre Investment: David Babani on Building Successful Productions

How do theatre producers finance shows, attract investors, sell tickets and keep productions profitable in an increasingly challenging market? In this episode of Not Just a Number, SRLV’s Partner Pembe Ozoran sits down with David Babani, theatre producer and Artistic Director of the Menier Chocolate Factory, to explore the business side of theatre production, West End transfers, theatre tax relief, investor relations, marketing, audience behaviour and the future of live entertainment. David shares his journey from producing student theatre shows to leading one of the UK's most influential theatre venues, responsible for multiple West End transfers, Broadway productions and international successes. He explains why theatre tax relief has become essential to the industry's survival, how producers balance creativity with commercial realities and why collaboration remains one of the most important factors in building successful productions. The conversation explores theatre finance, fundraising, ticket sales, audience trends, social media marketing, AI, industry challenges and practical advice for aspiring theatre producers looking to build a career in live entertainment. For entrepreneurs, creatives, investors and business leaders, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, risk management, innovation and building sustainable creative businesses. Key Moments: 0:00 — Why theatre tax relief has become essential for the survival of independent theatre 00:52 — Introducing David Babani, theatre producer and Artistic Director of the Menier Chocolate Factory 01:15 — What a theatre producer actually does behind the scenes 03:52 — Producing theatre at school and discovering a passion for live performance 05:18 — Producing Assassins and achieving early success as a young producer 07:59 — The opportunity that led to taking over the Menier Chocolate Factory 09:51 — Building one of London's most successful producing theatres over 23 years 12:00 — The importance of training the next generation of theatre professionals 15:06 — The three things David looks for in every production 17:13 — The financial model behind successful West End transfers 18:20 — Why proven productions create stronger investment opportunities 20:35 — Why collaboration is essential in theatre production 24:50 — Why specialist advisors are becoming more important than ever 25:42 — Tax credits, immigration rules and government policy changes 27:15 — Innovation, sustainability and long term industry planning 28:39 — AI, ticket sales and the future of theatre marketing 30:12 — How AI could improve operations and financial management 32:38 — Pricing strategy, competition and audience value 33:18 — Social media, email marketing and audience targeting 36:13 — Finding new ways to reach audiences in a fragmented media landscape 37:56 — Why collaboration and industry support matter 39:03 — How new producers can get their first show off the ground 42:07 — The mindset required to succeed in a highly competitive industry 43:08 — What's next for David Babani and the Menier Chocolate Factory Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode. Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights, wealth protection and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

High-Net Worth Criminal Risk and Protecting Wealth: Jeff Hill on How Sophisticated Criminals Target the Wealthy

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, SRLV Partner Kieron Clement-Smith sits down with Jeff Hill, retired senior police officer, security expert and co-founder of Harrier Global, to explore the world of high-net worth security, organised crime, criminal targeting and physical asset protection. In this conversation, Jeff shares how that experience now informs his work with high-net worth individuals, ultra-high-net worth families, entrepreneurs, sports professionals, entertainers and those with high-value homes, assets and public profiles. The episode also explores the practical realities of protecting luxury homes, watches, jewellery, cars, handbags as well as family members and personal privacy. Jeff explains how criminals use open-source intelligence, social media, predictable routines, vehicle spotting, property records and lifestyle patterns to build a picture of potential targets before deciding how to act. Kieron and Jeff also discuss why physical security should be considered part of wider wealth protection, much like tax planning, estate planning or structuring family assets. For wealthy individuals, professional athletes, musicians, performers, entrepreneurs and international families, protecting wealth is not only about legal structures, trusts or financial planning - it is also about keeping people, property and valuable assets safe in the real world. Key Moments: 0:00 — Why wealthy individuals need to think like criminals to protect their homes and assets 0:54 — Introducing Jeff Hill: former police officer, security expert and co-founder of Harrier Global 1:32 — Jeff’s early police career and why he always wanted to join the force 4:50 — Learning from great police officers and developing a proactive investigative mindset 6:08 — Moving into CID and becoming a detective at 21 11:46 — Targeting drug dealers, organised criminals and serious criminal networks 15:03 — Understanding how sophisticated criminals think and operate 16:44 — The pressure of senior policing, performance targets and family life 22:24 — Leading major crime investigations across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire 24:48 — Counterterrorism, organised crime and working alongside MI5 and the National Crime Agency 26:49 — How real personal threats shaped Jeff’s own view of home security 31:17 — From policing to private security consultancy for high-net-worth individuals 33:17 — Protecting ultra-high-net-worth clients, entrepreneurs, sports stars and entertainers 34:43 — Why Harrier Global does not sell CCTV, guards or off-the-shelf security products 36:34 — Why serious criminals now target wealthy UK households from across the world 38:45 — How criminals research high-profile targets before committing burglaries or robberies 39:50 — The hidden risks of social media, public routines and online information 41:50 — Why footballers, musicians and entertainers are especially vulnerable to targeted crime 44:11 — How cars, training grounds and Instagram posts can expose security weaknesses 47:48 — The emotional and financial impact of burglary and violent robbery 49:11 — Why physical asset protection matters as much as tax planning and wealth structuring 52:16 — Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey after 30 years in policing 54:40 — The hidden costs and realities of starting a business after a corporate career 56:16 — Why networking, trust and personal introductions are critical in high-net-worth services 59:52 — Jeff’s final advice on home security, resilience and backing yourself in business Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode. Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights, wealth protection and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

The VAT Fight That Could Save British Hospitality: Adam Hyman on Restaurants, High Streets and The Good Food Guide

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Partner and Executive Chairman Marc Voulters sits down with Adam Hyman, founder of CODE Hospitality and owner of The Good Food Guide, to discuss the state of British hospitality, the pressure facing restaurants, pubs and cafés, and the growing campaign to reduce VAT for the sector. Adam is one of the most connected voices in UK hospitality. Through CODE Hospitality, his industry newsletter and platform reaches tens of thousands of people across restaurants, food, drink and hotels. He is also the custodian of The Good Food Guide, one of Britain’s most respected restaurant guides, which has been championing great places to eat since 1951. The episode focuses on one of the biggest issues facing the sector today, the cost of doing business. Adam and Marc discuss the impact of Brexit, Covid, rising employment costs, national insurance changes, energy prices, reduced consumer spending and the pressure these challenges have placed on restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels across the UK. A key focus of the episode is the “VAT’s The Problem” campaign, backed by major hospitality figures including Tom Kerridge, which is calling for VAT on hospitality to be reduced from 20% to 10%. Adam explains why VAT is seen as one of the clearest levers government could use to help hospitality businesses survive, protect jobs, support the high street and keep local communities alive. Discussion points in this episode include: * Adam Hyman’s route into hospitality and why restaurants became a lifelong passion * How CODE Hospitality grew from a small industry bulletin into a major UK hospitality platform * Why British hospitality has faced years of pressure from Brexit, Covid, inflation and rising costs * The case for reducing VAT for restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels * Why the “VAT’s The Problem” VAT campaign is gaining traction across the industry * How hospitality supports jobs, young people, local communities and the high street * Why restaurants are about more than food and drink - they are about experience, service and connection * The shift away from formal fine dining towards neighbourhood restaurants, pubs and informal dining * Why The Good Food Guide moved from print to digital * How The Good Food Guide continues to champion the best places to eat across Britain Key Moments: 0:00 – Why British hospitality needs urgent support 00:40 – Introducing Adam Hyman, CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide 02:00 – Adam’s early love of restaurants and the buzz of hospitality 05:39 – From university and commercial property to the restaurant world 08:00 – Jeremy King’s advice and Adam’s first step into hospitality 10:22 – How CODE Hospitality started as an industry newsletter 11:47 – Growing CODE from 30 readers to 70,000 hospitality professionals 18:05 – The biggest challenges facing restaurants, pubs and cafés today 21:05 – How national insurance, wages and rising costs have hit hospitality 22:56 – Why UK hospitality VAT is so high compared with parts of Europe 24:55 – The “VAT’s The Problem” campaign to cut hospitality VAT from 20% to 10% 26:01 – Why restaurant closures threaten jobs, communities and high streets 28:14 – Why hospitality gives young people vital work and life skills 31:21 – Restaurants, pubs and cafés as the heart of local communities 33:15 – Hospitality trends: neighbourhood dining, pubs with food and experience-led restaurants 37:15 – The Good Food Guide, its history and its move from print to digital Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, hospitality and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling companies and international relocations to creative rights, hospitality, tax, finance and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

Music IP, Estate Planning and Catalogue Sales: Colin Newman on Protecting Royalties, Rights and Creative Wealth

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Director of Royalties Danny Fletcher sits down with Colin Newman, one of SRLV’s most experienced music industry specialists, to explore the complex world of music IP, estate planning, royalties, catalogue valuation and copyright ownership. Colin’s career spans decades across accountancy, business management, record labels, publishing, music rights and artist advisory. From starting out as a young accountant working with American jazz bands, pop groups and broadcasters, to building and selling a record label, Colin has spent his career working at the intersection of music, money, rights and relationships. In this conversation, Colin shares how his early love of records turned into a lifetime of helping artists, songwriters, estates and families understand the real value of their creative assets. He explains why music rights are not just financial assets, why proper estate planning is essential for successful artists and songwriters and why families often misunderstand how royalties, publishing income, master recordings and catalogue ownership work after death. The episode also explores the practical realities of valuing music catalogues, selling rights, understanding copyright terms, dealing with inheritance tax, negotiating with major labels and investment funds, and protecting beneficiaries from rushed decisions or poor advice. Colin explains why a catalogue sale is rarely just about the numbers, and why true value often depends on music knowledge, contract history, buyer appetite, market timing and trusted industry contacts. Discussion points in this episode include: * Building a record label and learning how music rights, licensing and distribution really work * Why music IP rights have grown significantly in value over recent decades * The importance of estate planning for artists, songwriters, producers and music industry professionals * How royalties are treated after death and why families often misunderstand income flows * Why music catalogues need proper documentation, contract reviews and rights analysis * The difference between publishing rights, master recordings and neighbouring rights * How catalogue valuations work and why multiples depend on more than historic earnings * How inheritance tax can affect estates holding valuable IP rights * How major labels, investment companies and catalogue buyers approach music rights acquisitions * Why SRLV’s music industry experience helps clients protect wealth, rights and legacy Key Moments: 00:00 – Music rights, royalties and “not just the numbers” 01:01 – Introducing Colin Newman and music industry accountancy 01:54 – Colin’s route into accountancy 04:56 – Working with 1960s music clients 08:00 – Recovering recording rights for artists 09:15 – Launching Action Replay and early compilation albums 12:14 – Buying record labels from liquidation 16:00 – Building trust with artists and restoring rights 19:00 – Estate planning for music IP 21:40 – How to value a music catalogue 23:58 – Why famous music estates end up in disputes 25:15 – US reversionary rights and UK copyright rules 31:00 – Why every music estate needs a “rights Bible” 33:00 – How music catalogue sales work 34:45 – Valuing catalogues using multiples of earnings 38:39 – What families misunderstand about royalties after death 39:45 – Should you sell a music catalogue sooner or later? 42:15 – Christmas songs, sync income and long-term royalty value 45:00 – Why multiple buyers matter in music catalogue sales 47:30 – Probate music IP values, tax mistakes and IHT planning 49:40 – Sync licensing and unpredictable catalogue value 54:20 – Don’t sign anything quickly after inheriting music rights 55:15 – Why doing nothing is not an estate planning strategy Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode. Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

The Truth About Music Business Today with Music Managers Forum Vice Chair Jill Hollywood

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Partner Grant Court sits down with Jill Hollywood, founder of Echo Beach Management and one of the most respected producer managers in the UK. Jill’s career spans iconic moments in British music, from the Britpop surge of the mid nineties to today’s data driven streaming world. She shares how she moved from journalism in Sydney to a role in A&R when she arrived in London, her years working under the legendary Jazz Summers at Big Life and the bold leap to launch Echo Beach. Jill explains how the industry has transformed for producers, songwriters and artists in the last twenty years and why streaming economics, AI and catalogue ownership are forcing a complete rethink of business models. She gives a candid look at the shrinking role of major labels, why independent development has become harder and why managers now carry more responsibility than ever. The conversation also explores the rise of female leaders in management, Jill’s new role as Vice Chair of the MMF and how the next generation can build sustainable careers in a crowded and fast moving landscape. Discussion points in this episode include:  * Breaking into the industry in the nineties and the reality of A&R * Working with Jazz Summers and the foundations of great management * The shift from label development to rights management * Why producers and songwriters are struggling with streaming economics * The impact of AI generated music and loss of creative income * How catalogue sales and rights valuation have changed the business * The growing pressure on managers to act as label, publisher and strategist * The rise of female leaders and what has improved in the industry * The value of the MMF and why community is essential * Advice for new managers and new talent entering the industry today Key Moments:  0:00 — Welcome & Guest Introduction: Jill Hollywood of Echo Beach Management 02:15 — Early Music Career: Journalist to London A&R 06:44 — 1990s Britpop: Major Label Talent Scouting Insights. Behind-the-scenes of London’s vibrant Britpop era 09:52 — Management Transition: From Telstar to Big Life Management with Jazz Summers  13:11 — Navigating Music Industry Change: Digital Disruption & Streaming 18:59 — Building Long-Term Client Partnerships & Roster Development 20:05 — Specialising as a Producer Manager Versus Artist Manager 23:33 — Songwriter & Producer Challenges in the Streaming Era 26:37 — Managing Music Rights, Catalogs & Label Partnerships. How catalog valuation, royalty maximization, and the shift in label strategies are reshaping music rights management. 29:38 — Solo Acts, Bands & Breaking New Artists Today 34:22 — The Rise of AI in Music Production 38:04 — Diversity, Gender Equality & Women in Music Management 42:27 — What is the Music Managers Forum (MMF)? 47:11 — Professionalising Music Management: Training & Certification 00:53:50 — Career Highlights & Building Number-One Records 00:58:03 — Advice for Aspiring Music Managers & Artists 01:00:47 — Echo Beach Management & What’s Next For Tackling Industry Change Through MMF Leadership. Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode.  Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.