End of era as Billy Gray departs Andys Records.

The most successful double act in independent music retailing has split up following the departure of Billy Gray from Andys Records.

Gray, who had been part of the award-winning operation for a quarter of a century with brother Andy, quit his role as marketing director just over a week ago to launch what he describes as a "creative-problem-solving" entertainment consultancy with former Andys operations director David Jones. Following his move, Gray's 30% interest in the music chain has reverted to Andy.

Gray, who says his departure from the retail chain is "very amicable", adds he has been contemplating such a move for some while and felt that now was the right time. "Basically I felt that after 25 years of building up Andys Records with my brother it was time for a change and I wanted to explore other areas, not necessarily in the music industry but the whole entertainment industry. The way music is perceived is changing and the whole concept of entertainment is so much broader now," he says.

He adds the role of his new business, which is based in the Andys heartland of Suffolk and is called Graymatters, will develop with time but its key service will be problem-solving, concentrating on key areas such as ...