Autumn brings wind of change. (MW comment).

The wind of change is sweeping through the business--and it is not without its pain.

If 2002 is remembered for anything, it will be rationalisation, streamlining, reassessment of business models.

This week there is plenty of talk about the future plans for Sony Music, but their current soul-searching is familiar to all of us. They are not alone.

As all industries develop, they tend to become less efficient and they, perhaps, take for granted the best ways of going about their business, both in terms of the everyday and the long term.

Without highlighting any particular company, there is little doubt that this has happened within the music business too. The evidence is littered through the opening nine months of this year and before, from EMI and Universal's decisions to sell their UK manufacturing plants, Warner and BMG's outsourcing of their indie retail accounts to third parties, and the rationalisation at EMI Recorded Music.

It is a sign that everyone faces--or has recently faced--the same challenges that there is precious little crowing from competitors at the impending changes.

It is not a subject to be score points over. We all know how tough it can be.