We must not lose experience. (M W Comment).

Fashion has always been a vital part of this business. Music both leads fashion and follows fashion, in equal measure. But quality never goes out of fashion. It is remarkable in many ways that the confirmation of Howard Berman's departure as managing director of Mercury this week, comes just the week after Paul Conroy walked out of Virgin's Kensal Rise HQ for the final time as chairman. The UK's longest-serving managing director departs, just days after the UK's longest-serving chairman. Two of the most decent people in the business lose their jobs.

In these ever more crucial days for our industry, such experience is vital to the future health of the business. Both are the victim of changes at their respective companies which will never erase the successes they have both achieved in the past. This is not to question the changes being implemented at both companies. Few would argue that Messrs Grainge, Levy, Munns and ...