The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music have announced the first cohort of MMF Hyperdrive, a programme offering music managers four months of professional development. Participants will receive training in business development, commercial models and tools, alongside support to attend industry events.
The announcement puts the cohort at 15 participants, although Paul Bonham, the MMF’s Director of Professional Development, refers to 14 in his accompanying statement.
Management businesses and clients
The cohort includes employees of UK management companies Big Life Management, East City Management, Eleven Management and Solar Management, alongside independent managers. Their clients span artists, songwriters and producers.
The client names supplied in the announcement are:
- Crazy P, Felix Dickinson, Hot Toddy and Ron Basejam
- Orla Gartland, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, The Futureheads and Sivu
- Gold Panda, Gruff Rhys, Gwenifer Raymond, Luke Abbott and Snapped Ankles
- Cikho, SunnyBoyFitz, Sabodi and The League of Rebelz
Training and event support
Hyperdrive builds on the MMF’s Accelerator Programme, which supported more than 150 independent managers between 2019 and 2025. The new programme is designed to support career development among MMF members through training, shared learning and connections with other managers.
Delivered in partnership with YouTube Music, the programme includes:
- An intensive four-month training programme covering capacity building, creativity, new commercial models and tools
- A travel bursary to help participants attend key conferences and MMF events
- Tickets to the 2026 Artist & Manager Awards
- A concluding three-day retreat
- An opportunity to earn recognition through the MMF’s recently launched Manager Certification Programme
Bonham said the partnership with YouTube Music had helped the MMF develop its professional development programmes, including Accelerator. He said Hyperdrive aims to help participants grow their businesses and explore new technologies and working practices.
Maddy Smith, Artist Relations Manager at YouTube Music, said Hyperdrive extends the organisations’ longstanding partnership, with participants bringing different expertise and experience to shared learning.
Further MMF programmes
Further details about Hyperdrive are scheduled for the MMF’s Manager Summit and annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday 28 September. The full-day event will focus on artist development and community building in an environment shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI).
The MMF’s commitment to professional development was recognised by Arts Council England in 2023 through its status as a National Portfolio Organisation. Its provision includes recently launched partnerships with Generator and Coventry City for individuals and businesses in the North East and Midlands.
The MMF also plans to introduce an online programme, The Real Deal Series, the following month. It will cover how artists and songwriters manage and monetise their recordings and songs.
