Nettwerk connects global management: management company thrives due to unique approach.(Profile)

Many artist managers have tried, and failed, at building a truly global management company.

But, with two of the UK's biggest international breakthrough artists of recent years--Coldplay and Dido--on its roster (which also includes new hopefuls such as Polydor's Butterfly Boucher, as well as Avril Lavigne, Sum 41 and Fischerspooner), Canada's Nettwerk Management has succeeded with a business modal that is based on forging relationships which allow managers to tap into resources in markets where they may have limited experience.

"Any manager these days has a hard time as a standalone operation," says Peter Leak, manager of Dido and a key figure in the development of Nettwerk's global roster. "I see Nettwerk as a 21st century music company. For example, we have our own sync department, which is not commonplace for a management company."

Although Nettwerk has interests in publishing, producer and DJ management, its growth has been fuelled by its unique approach to signing up new artists for management, with each manager cutting their own deal according to their individual position.

A good example is that of Stereophonics manager John Brand, who works out of the Nettwerk London office as Marsupial Management, although he manages various other acts that are unconnected to Nettwerk.

One person who understands the Nettwerk approach is Coldplay's manager Estelle Wilkinson, a key member of the rapidly-growing London office. "One thing that really scares managers is the idea of a big weighty US management company coming along and pushing them out," she says. "Nettwerk obviously don't do that, it's about bringing you into the fold."

Wilkinson officially took over Coldplay's management at the end of recording of the band's current album A Rush Of Blood To The Head. ...