Yorkshire-based Music Factory gains £1m investment from Finance Yorkshire

The family business is now headed by John’s son, executive chairman Andy Pickles, who is joined in its management by his sisters Alison and Helen.

Finance Yorkshire’s investment from its growth fund has enabled the company to restructure, creating a group of associated businesses including Music Factory Recordings, which will continue to distribute and optimise its catalogue worldwide.

Andy Pickles said: “With Finance Yorkshire’s investment we can develop and grow our music catalogue in what is an exciting period for the music industry. The Jive Bunny brand is still going strong and we plan to optimise it across all platforms.”

“We are very proud of what we have achieved by starting out in Rotherham and still being based in Yorkshire. For that reason, we were very attracted to work with Finance Yorkshire and its team.”

The Music Factory boasts tens of millions of record sales, worldwide number one singles and a catalogue of 15,000 sound recordings, publishing rights and brands.

Jive Bunny had three consecutive UK number one singles, 13 world-wide number one singles and a triple platinum album.

The group’s music is still regularly streamed across platforms including You Tube and Spotify.

As well as Music Factory Recordings, the company has launched Pure Music GO to provide gym and fitness operators with music services.

The group also runs North Star 360, a training and development programme for young people who are aiming to pursue careers in the music industry.

Next month, North Star 360 is set to host a five-day summer camp providing students with hands-on, practical experience, taught by industry professionals.

Speaking on the investment, Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Music Factory is a well-established and successful company which has stayed true to its Yorkshire roots.

"We are delighted to support the business in the next phase of its growth and its leading role in the Yorkshire region’s music and creative industries.

"It is particularly pleasing to see its investment in young people’s education through North Star 360.”

Music Factory has recently relocated to Tileyard North, in Wakefield, taking a 2,500 sq ft space as one of the first anchor tenants in the creative hub.

Tileyard North is a redeveloped Grade II listed mill which is set to become a boutique hotel, recording studio and offices.

Following the multi-million pound restoration of the disused Rutland Mills, the complex, which is situated on Wakefield’s waterfront, is dubbed as becoming “the largest creative community outside of London”.

Developed by the team behind Tileyard London, the redeveloped mill will contain 40,000 sq ft of office space.

Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund is part of a wider regional business fund which is expected to provide more than £50m to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its seedcorn and business loans funds.