Alex Lovegrove, Music Travel Specialist at Music First Partnership, outlines her career progression with Business First Collection and why she loves the music industry and delivering travel solutions for tours.
My musical taste ever since childhood has varied greatly. No matter what genre I have a genuine love and appreciation for music and for what it can do. I consider myself fortunate to now be a part of at Music First Partnership.
Listening to live music cannot be beaten for me. There’s something about being at a festival, with a group of strangers and all of you there connecting over music. Its about being present in that moment.
My clients include everyone from legendary rock bands and multi-million-selling global artists, up and coming Brit award winners and artists just starting out. It’s incredibly cool and exciting.
As Music Travel Specialist, I manage all travel aspects of a music tour. Whatever is needed, from the first hotel check in to the return flights home and everything in between! I will execute it all for my clients.
Music Tours
We are hands on at MFP and consider our role as an extension of the touring party.
At MFP I’ve visited Barcelona, Helsinki, Milan, Dublin, Brussels and Paris and I’m going to Amsterdam next month.
No two days are the same and I really love my job. No two clients are the same either and every brief represents a unique challenge. We make sure tours run smoothly. Getting to know our clients well is a big part of how we operate at MFP and we ensure we become part of their team. It’s a refreshing approach and it means we can add even greater value to our clients.
Problem solving
We plan and prepare carefully for every tour and many are delivered seamlessly. But we must always be flexible and responsive as changes can occur and often at the last minute!
This means we must react quickly, advising the client on alternative solutions and delivering adjustments promptly. Remaining calm and confident is a vital part of ensuring we support our client during a challenging period.
Typically, when things happen it has an impact on travel and accommodation plans and we must pull out all the stops to ensure plans are updated and delivered.
It can mean that as a travel agent in entertainment, you have to make what seems impossible, possible.
Career progression
This month (March 2025) marks my two-year anniversary within the Business First Collection.
I was working full-time in an Investment Management Company, before I had my three daughters and joined Business First Partnership as an Administration Assistant in the Finance Department.
After around a month BFP’s founder, Nigel Taylor and its commercial director Chloe Clark said they felt I would fit into a sales role well.
I had never seen myself as a natural salesperson, but I absolutely loved it!
The company provided full training and were supportive and it brought back confidence I’d forgotten I had.
At the same time MFP had just started out, and growing quickly found they needed additional support. My role was then shared between sales and MFP.
MFP grew fast and it felt like a natural fit for me. I found I was able to use all my skills acquired in other areas of the company and became full-time on the music side.
Dan Horton, head of MFP is the most chilled, supportive and kind boss and I enjoy everyday of my job under his leadership. Now a team of eight, I couldn’t wish to be part of a better team dynamic, we all genuinely get on so well together. Frankie Sousa, Operations Manager played a big part in my progression, taking me under her wing in the early stages whilst working on tours together.
It changed my mindset and I began to believe I was capable of doing much more and I thrived in such a positive and supportive culture.
After a year I was promoted to Music Tour Specialist, overseeing all aspects of tour travel for our clients.
Great place to Work
BFP and MFP have transformed my career and I’m over the moon.
I work from home and the company really supports working mothers. MFP offers flexible working and it means I can be successful in my career while parenting. The work life balance I have now is healthy and means I can deliver for my clients and my family and feel supported and fulfilled.
Last year BFP and MFP was certified as a Great Place to Work by The Global Authority on Workplace Culture following an independent employee survey.
We have incredible perks with BFP including reward vouchers to exchange at a long list of brands and companies. I have even used my vouchers to take my daughters for tea at the Ritz. There’s also a book club which I’m a keen member off, as well as a complimentary company therapist.
MFP meet together regularly, visiting potential hotels for our clients, often enjoying dinners and drinks at the beautiful properties. As agents we also get to experience properties abroad, that we might go on to propose to our clients, which is a real treat!
The rate of my progression from getting my foot in the door as an administrator to becoming a music industry travel specialist has been amazing. I now have a career that I love and enjoy sharing my knowledge with our clients.
MFP and BFP is truly one big family and I’m so grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve received.
