Natalie   |   Ellis   |   Ruth   |   Makeda   |  Ajax   |   Justin   |   Claire   |

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Natalie Wade, Projects Director

“I’ve worked in the music industry for a decade, in event management, product and project management. I’ve always been passionate about unsigned music and youthful, creative people.  After graduating I interned at a music production company, working my way up, earning a pittance, took additional exams in teaching and gained a CIPD. My real education has been with working with scores of different industry professionals that have become an amazing network who inform my work and keep me on my toes.”

See my profile on Linkedin.

Ellis Rich

Ellis began with Feldman’s Music, arranging and transcribing music and orchestral arrangements, creating all the music arrangements for Queen.  After being appointed International Manager in the seventies, Ellis left EMI and formed E&S Music with Simon Cowell. In 1986 Ellis established Supreme Songs and went on to create “The Independent Music Group (IMG)”; a world-wide consortium of independent music publishers.

Ellis was appointed Director of The Performing Right Society (PRS) in 1993, elected Deputy Chairman in 1995, and appointed PRS Chairman in 2005 stepping down at the end of 2010, whilst remaining a Director.

Ellis reaches out to diverse minority groups to raise awareness about the benefits of being included within the music industry firmament.  He continues to take pro-active efforts to promote diversity among PRS membership and staff and when Chairman was instrumental in introducing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Ellis has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Parliament, BBC Local radio, Smile Jamaica TV Jamaica), BBC Radio 4, BBC News 24 (The Bottom Line) BBC Radio 1 Extra, and in newspapers and magazines discussing the music industry.

Today, he continues his practice of introducing innovative standards to the world of music copyright administration for TV broadcasters, production companies and film companies. He was honoured to be recognized for this contribution by being accepting the OBE for services to Music Publishing in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours’ List in January 2011.

Ruth Titmarsh

“After graduating in Music Industry Management in 2008 I began a 6 month Internship at Music World Entertainment and went on to be the solo PA to Kelly Rowland. During this time I also met a young emerging singer/songwriter by the name of Emeli Sande, for the past 4 years I have worked closely with this project and continue to do so. Through various work placements in the entertainment industry I have gained a great network on professionals which i continuously build on. I believe it’s very important to support and provide exposure to unsigned artists and creatives, so it was a great when I was asked to join the team at Small Green Shoots.”

See my profile on Linkedin

Makeda McMillan

“Hi my names Makeda and I am the youngest and newest member of Small Green Shoots! Starting in year 10 & 11 by doing a creative & media diploma with DV8 training and then moving up to a live events & promotions apprenticeship, I have learnt that I have a passion for the music and events industry. Working with small green shoots has given me the confidence and ammunition to strive high and aim higher. I now feel I am learning the ins and outs of the events industry slowly but surely. I have participated in some great events and co-ordinated 2 and I hope to continue. I would love to one day be able to create my own recognised and established live music event and that is my goal. I aim to continue on in this amazing company and learn all there is to learn!”

Claire Davies

I’ve worked in the creative industries for 5 years, with extensive experience in music event management. Following various positions in events, as well as in marketing and promotions, I found myself employed at a high profile annual music awards show – working at three amazing shows. I hold a BA in Media and a Masters degree in Creative and Media Enterprises (you can translate that as ‘management in the creative industries’!) I also run new music blog This Town is Folly – check it out! A long standing passion for new music and an intrinsic need to support the development of artists and creative projects means that I fit in pretty well at Small Green Shoots!

See my profile on Linkedin

Check out This Town is Folly

Ajax Scott

Justin Sidnick LLB (Hons)

Having graduated in law from Manchester University Justin went on to The law School, London and qualified as a Solicitor in 1997. Justin then returned to his native London and began working with William Heath and Company, becoming a partner in 2001. His work has seen him act for many high profile clients in the Music and Media corporate and celebrity clients. Other clients include many high profile sportsmen, in particular three past captains of the England football team. His media profile includes appearances for the BBC as specialist property advisor, numerous articles for the daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard and legal editor for the Daily Telegraphs guide to buying your first home.

Justin is also education officer of the BNI Notting Hall Chapter. He has been an advisor of SGS Directors for some years and subsequently joined as Director in 2009. He is particularly dedicated to the governance and negotiation aspect of our work and is committed to the community development and youth entrepreneurship goals that are at the heart of Small Green Shoots Activity.

Justin grew up and works in London, where he lives with his wife and two young daughters.