Martin Mills, the founder and chairman of The Beggars Group has been announced as the winner of this year’s Pioneer Award from the AIM Independent Music Awards. Mills’ work has spanned four decades, launching the careers of artists such as Bauhaus, The Charlatans, The Cult, and Gary Numan to name just a few.
"I’m delighted and moved to receive this honour from my peers," said Mills, speaking proudly of his award. "Nothing can mean more than that." Alison Wenham, Chairman of AIM, also praised Mills’ success. “I’m so glad the judges have chosen Martin to receive this year’s Pioneer Award," she said. "Martin is one of the music industry’s great visionaries, having built an exceptional company around finding and nurturing true talent. Martin has done more than anyone in the world to support and strengthen the independent sector globally through his work with AIM, WIN, Merlin and Impala, and I look forward to celebrating his achievements in September."
This year’s expert judging panel includes the likes of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, and tQ’s very own Luke Turner. The event takes place at The Brewery in Clerkenwell on 2 September – get hold of tickets <a href="http://www.musicindie.com/awards" " target="out">here.
