Has 2024 been a year to remember, or one you’ll be glad to see the back of?
Looking back, 2024 has been a truly phenomenal year—one marked by significant milestones and rewarding progress. While it’s undoubtedly been a year of hard work, the results have exceeded expectations, making it our strongest year to date.
As we look toward 2025, I’m confident that the foundations we’ve built this year will drive even greater success. With momentum on our side, the best is yet to come.
What has been the biggest challenge this year?
I feel it’s been both challenging and rewarding in equal measure, as our industry continues to navigate the pressures of economic uncertainty, rising operational costs, and the dominance of online competition. Like many, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strain on brick-and-mortar retailers, compounded by store closures and shrinking margins. However, these challenges have also provided opportunities to innovate and collaborate to create lasting solutions.
I’ve been thrilled to see the continued growth of JET Guitars and Flight Ukuleles this year and building on that momentum, we launched a sister brand, Spira Guitars, in October. Spira has already seen great success disrupting the market, thanks to its combination of fresh contemporary designs, unprecedented quality, and market-friendly pricing. Most importantly, all brands offer above-average margins, addressing one of the key pain points in the market today—profitability.
Beyond new products, I’ve also been proud to co-found reSound Market alongside Evan Michaels, a fresh and unique marketplace for UK retailers and verified individuals to sell pre-owned musical instruments and gear with no fees. reSound Market’s mission is to unify the UK’s pre-loved market in a trusted, sustainable platform that not only promotes circularity but also helps retailers achieve higher margins compared to selling new. By creating an avenue for retailers in the growing pre-owned market, we’ve provided another tool for them to weather these challenging times.
My overarching goal this year has been to empower MI retailers by offering products and platforms that help them stand out and sustain profitability. Whether it’s through JET, Flight and Spira driving fresh demand or reSound Market opening up new revenue streams, my focus remains on enabling brick-and-mortar stores to thrive. After all, these stores are the heart of our industry, offering the expertise, community, and hands-on experiences that no online platform can replicate.
Looking ahead, I believe the key to our industry’s resilience lies in innovation and collaboration. By supporting each other and focusing on creating opportunities for retailers to differentiate themselves, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone in MI.
What is one moment from 2024 that makes you smile when you think about it?
Taking my 12 year old daughter Maggie to see Slash at Wembley Arena was a particularly special full circle moment. I’ve been training her in the ways of rock from a very young age and it was fantastic for her to experience a fellow Stoke on Trent legend.
What’s the one thing you didn’t get around to in 2024 that is top of your to-do list for 2025?
A sun-drenched holiday is long overdue.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto – James Brown
To be fair anything from his Funky Christmas album would be acceptable.
What’s the one food that you can’t do without at this time of year?
Home-made sausage rolls and mince pies…plus Stollen.
What does Christmas day look like for you?
Family time. I’m looking forward to switching off for a few days and enjoying some quality time with my daughter Maggie, my partner Sarah and all the family. I particularly enjoy the later stages of Christmas day when the waist bands switch to elasticated, the cheeses and wines come out and the ultra-competitive board games commence!
You can learn more about the work that Lee does by checking out reSound Market,
