Business rate cuts are “incredibly significant” for Sheffield's Leadmill

This week it was announced independent music venues will get 50 per cent reduction in business rates. The Music Venue Trust estimates it will save them an average of £7,500 each annually.

Among those venues which will receive a reduction is Sheffield’s Leadmill, which is celebrating it’s fortieth anniversary this year.

Assistant general manager Rebecca Walker said: “For the Leadmill it’s incredibly significant. Business rates are one of our largest overheads, not having to pay as much will allow us to use that money in different ways. It could be for staff, infrastructure or entertainment.

“Being an independent venue in the 21st century is hard enough as it is. There’s a lot of different challenges that make running a business like this testing. Any bit of help is very much welcome.”

On Tuesday the Leadmill opened its doors to BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as part of his Homecoming Tour of the UK, which coincided with Independent Venue Week, a celebration of the UK’s grassroots music venues.

“Without independent venues there’s nowhere that musicians, comedians and artists can cut their teeth and develop their craft,” Rebecca added.

“[The cut] will allow us to invest in another member of staff to develop another talent.

“Having a little spare will allow us to help another young engineer that has visions of being a sound engineer and travelling the world, or a promoter who will work their way up.”