UD’s annual ‘Industry Takeover’ returns to London to champion the young creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders shaping the future of British music.
Check out the full programme HERE
Industry Takeover 2026, UD’s flagship annual event, which returns to Rich Mix, London on 12 June, bringing together artists, top UK executives, journalists, educators and some of the most influential voices across music, culture, technology and media to explore these challenges throughout the one day conference exclusively for 14–25 year olds.
UD is one of the UK’s leading talent development organisations and the event reflects more than 25 years of work supporting young people to access opportunities and build careers across music and the wider creative industries.
As investment and attention increasingly focus on developing talent ecosystems across the UK’s regions, Industry Takeover 2026 is highlighting the continued importance of London as a global hub for music, culture and creative innovation, and the role young people play in shaping its future.
Black music has contributed £24.5 billion to the UK music industry and generated 80% of recorded music revenues over the last three decades, helping establish Britain as one of the world’s most influential music markets. (ii)
This year’s Industry Takeover will bring together more than 100 artists, executives, entrepreneurs, journalists, technologists and cultural leaders for a day of conversation, inspiration and career development focused on the next generation of talent.
Each year, UD engages almost 2,500 young people through its programmes, with many participants progressing into careers across music, media, technology and the creative industries. Alumni have gone on to work with organisations including Apple Music, Nike, Island Records, GRM Daily and Rinse FM, while artists supported through UD’s programmes have included some of the most influential names in British music.
Industry Takeover 2026 will explore the trends and opportunities shaping the future of music, creativity and culture. The programme features:
Elijah – Writer, DJ and creator of Yellow Squares
Jacqueline Springer – Curator Africa & Diaspora: Performance, V&A
Chris Cooke – Founder and Managing Director, CMU
DJ Target – Broadcaster and DJ
DJ Limelight – Broadcaster and DJ
Jade Style – BBC Radio 1Xtra
Pamela McCormick MBE, Founder and Director of UD, said: “Black music is one of Britain’s greatest cultural success stories. It has shaped global culture, influenced generations of artists and created enormous value for the UK economy. We fully support the growing focus on developing creative opportunities across the UK, but London’s role in nurturing talent and driving cultural innovation must not be overlooked. For decades, the capital has been a launchpad for artists, entrepreneurs and creative movements that have gone on to influence music around the world.
At UD, we work with young people because we believe the future of the industry is already here. Every day we see extraordinary talent, ambition and creativity coming through our programmes. Industry Takeover is about creating a space where the next generation can connect with industry leaders, discover new opportunities and gain the confidence, knowledge and networks to shape the future of music themselves.”
The event also arrives at a time when young people are actively seeking more opportunities to develop their creativity and skills. Recent research found that 87% of young people believe access to creative opportunities is important to their future (i), highlighting the need for platforms that connect emerging talent with industry expertise, inspiration and career pathways.
For UD, Industry Takeover represents more than a conference. It is a celebration of creativity, culture and possibility, bringing together the people who are shaping music today with those who will shape it tomorrow.
Industry Takeover, Friday 12 June 2026, Rich Mix, London
For tickets and information visit: www.udmusic.org
Rishma