The A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios
The A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios

The A&R Awards is back for 2023!

The A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios will return to London on the evening of Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Once again, it will be a show like no other in the music industry. We aim to host the UK business’s best night out, with its most deserving winners.

As ever, the A&R Awards will reward, recognise and celebrate the best creative executive talents working throughout the UK music biz.


We’re returning to the ballroom of the swanky De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

Obviously all of our awards are important – from Songwriter/Producer of The Year through to A&R Of The Year and Publisher/Label/Management Company Of The Year.

Not forgetting newer awards such as Song Of The Year and The One To Watch Award (in partnership with Vevo).

But the A&R Awards prides itself on also giving our audience some extra special reasons to applaud.

Once again, this year’s Sir George Martin Award – approved by the great man’s estate – will be collected by an individual with a proven track record of truly artist-friendly A&R who also continues to sign contemporary hitmakers today.

Our A&R Icon Award will recognise a legend of music business A&R, whose professional feats have influenced generations to come.

We can’t wait.

What the UK music business thinks of the A&R Awards...

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO

I couldn’t be more welcoming of an awards event which puts A&R front and centre.

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO

Universal Music UK

Jason Iley, Chairman & CEO

A&R is the nucleus of everything great about the music business. It's exciting to see it recognised and celebrated in this way.

Jason Iley, Chairman & CEO

Sony Music UK

Max Lousada, Global CEO, Recorded Music

A&R is the lifeblood of our industry. Finding exciting new talent and helping them develop takes passion, determination and skill and it’s great to have the opportunity to recognise the amazing work of some of the people behind the artists and the music.

Max Lousada, Global CEO, Recorded Music

Warner Music Group

Austin Daboh, EVP

From underground street sounds to high-end pop, A&R plays a crucial role in the discovery and development of talent across the music industry. I welcome any award that shines a spotlight on those that often work in the shadows.

Austin Daboh, EVP

Atlantic Records UK

Isabel Garvey, MD

We've seen some extraordinary talent pass through our doors over the last year. So we are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the A&R community by continuing our association with the MBW A&R Awards.

Isabel Garvey, MD

Abbey Road Studios

Lohan Presencer, Chairman

Real A&R, not cheque book-led ambulance chasing, is increasingly scarce in the music industry. Executives who have an ability to spot talent and help artists shape their musical output as well as their identities should be celebrated. The A&R Awards are a fantastic idea

Lohan Presencer, Chairman

Ministry Of Sound Group