Latest news with #Harries
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
From Passion To Commerce: Inside The Superfan Economy With Fave
Harry Styles Superfan group, the "Harries" host fan-led event "Harries' House Pop Up" in LA. From Audience to Economic Force A superfan is a highly engaged supporter who is willing to spend disproportionately more—financially and emotionally—on a creator because they derive personal value, identity, or connection from that relationship, according to Li Jin, who authored The Passion Economy and the Future of Work (2020). The Passion Economy is experiencing significant growth, driven by digital platforms that enable individuals, including superfan creators, to monetize unique skills and passions. According to Axios Media Trends, full-time digital creator jobs in the U.S. jumped from 200,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2024—a 7.5-fold increase. Unlike the gig economy, which centers on commoditized tasks, this emerging model prioritizes individuality and creativity—offering creators scalable income without proportional increases in labor. Superfan creators are central to this shift, cultivating deep, direct relationships with niche audiences. You can see this shift reflected in the types of artists seeing growth in the music industry—and, subsequently, who is behind that growth. According to Luminate's 2024 Midyear Music Report, over 34,000 artists earned 1–50 million streams—up 5% year-over-year—with 62% distributed independently, inpart reflecting the rise of niche, self-managed groups of fans and superfans. Superfan Roles: Buyers and Creators The concept of a superfan can be broken down into two critically important personas: the superfan buyer and the superfan creator. The superfan buyer will spend, on average, $1,000 per year across all artist-generated revenue streams and spend 80% more on music than the average fan. If you have 100 loyal superfan buyers, you are making a decent living. A superfan creator is a passionate fan who earns income by creating and selling fan-driven experiences, products, and content. The Power of Superfan Communities A 2025 MIDiA Research study highlighted how superfans play a pivotal role in setting trends and driving community engagement. 'The level of influence that a superfan has on the rest of the community is beyond any other kind of consumer-to-consumer influence we've seen,' says Jacquelle Horton, founder of fan-to-fan marketplace Fave. In 2020, the BTS ARMY—the self-titled superfan group of the Korean pop boy band—came together and raised $1 million, matching a donation made by the Black Lives Matter group. This highlights the self-driven nature, power, and influence of superfans when in community. According to Horton, fans who engage with their community on Fave have shown they are seven times more likely to make a purchase—whether it's attending an second or third concert, buying merchandise inspired by other fans, or hosting fan-led events. According to Horton, superfan communities create a surplus of demand and willingness to create, which remains largely untapped. Jacquelle Horton, VC Platform Global Summit, Google New York, 2022 When Jacquelle Horton was 12, she was an Eminem superfan creator. She designed her own Eminem backpack using white-out, created Eminem posters to hang on her walls, and built Eminem quizzes that she handed out to her friends to test her knowledge. From building BET's 106 & Park app—which allowed artists and fans to engage in real time—to leading creator growth, analytics, and automated AI tools on YouTube's Product team, Horton transformed her understanding of what it meant to be a superfan into a fan-to-fan marketplace called Fave. 'We take what used to be described to us as 'chaos'—unofficial merch, unofficial meetups, fan accounts—and turn it into an engine that drives deeper loyalty, repeat engagement, and long-tail monetization.' Fave App's Fund-a-Fan helps verified fans fund events and earn perks. Fave empowers superfan creators to build sustainable income by allowing fans to build, host, create, and sell products and events on their platform. Like Roblox, a creator toolkit for gamers, Fave gives fans the tools to build their own scalable, emotion-driven ecosystems—to unlock creative and commercial value. On the platform, music rights holders can participate in revenues, gain valuable fan insights through FanFinder, and partner with superfan creators on artist campaigns. Similar to Amazon Prime's ratings and customer reviews, Fave's fan verification and point system ensures the quality of goods and services. While their Fund-a-Fan initaitive lets fans, artists, or brands contribute to a shared fund, pitch ideas and vote based on reputation—facilitating fan-backed projects. Fave's fan-driven campaigns and industry-fan campaigns illustrate the impact fans in community can have on building sustainable careers for artists—and themselves. Ed Sheeran Superfan Event & Atlantic Records Fan-creator led event for 10th anniversary of Ed Sheeran's X album - showcasing fan-created ... More merchandise. To mark the 10th anniversary of Ed Sheeran's X album, Atlantic Records partnered with superfans via Fave to execute nine simultaneous events in cities like Paris, Manila, Rio, and Munich. Superfan creators brought events to life from start to finish—pitching ideas, coordinating venues, crafting merch, filming promos, designing custom menus, leading tribute shows, giveaways, and more fan influencer activations. 'The empowerment and global inclusivity that fans experienced changed lives,' said Horton, noting the events reported 99% satisfaction rate. Instagram post from a "Sheerio," an Ed Sheeran superfan reflecting Ed Sheeran fan-hosted event. The creators' organic social posts reached over 273,000 fan accounts saving the label additional promotional costs. After the event, several fan-led initiatives sprung up as a result, including coordinated tour footage, album cover tributes, and themed events. K-Pop Superfan Conferences On Fave, BTS and ATEEZ superfan creators organized two independently led fan conferences to celebrate the K-Pop groups' history. According to Horton, 'the conference illustrated the ingenuity of fandom, featuring cover performances, art booths, and dance workshops—while empowering fans celebrate their shared passion.' Its success sparked a series of similar fan-run events from bar takeovers to theater rentals—demonstrating the scalable nature of fan-powered programming among micro-communities. The average revenue superfan creators make from fan-led conferences is $15,000+. This represents a real opportunity for music rights holders to participate in these organically led events. Fan Fest On Fave, superfan creators initiated an international event across Los Angeles and London—celebrating icons in pop, drawing over 430 fans in attendance. The event featured red carpet photo ops, fan Q&As, and a fan art showcase. The superfan creator who hosted the event generated over $20k in fan-to-fan transactions. Superfan creators reached 42,000+ accounts organically, driving a 41% ticket conversion. With 16,000+ likes and 78,000 impressions, it reignited fandom during an off-cycle period. The Infrastructure Gap According to Horton, 'fans have been forced to work in a very gray area of fair use, derivative works, and transformative works for a long time.' The legal requirement for name and likeness licenses to produce certain events and products is, in large part, what prevents superfan creators from building legally sustainable businesses around their fandom—without fear of being shut down. That makes sense, as the industry has traditionally lacked the infrastructure needed to participate in this secondary revenue stream and as a result has seldomly viewed it as one. According to Horton, "Fave is working to solve this challenge and save teams time by streamlining this process, delivering vetted fan creators, real ROI, and valuable fan data—without requiring hands-on management." Conclusion The growth of the passion economy, however—spearheaded by superfans—continues to grow regardless of industry mentality. In 2023, Goldman Sachs' Music in the Air report noted that superfans contribute $4.2 billion to the music industry. However, this number solely reflects superfans' contribution to digital recording revenue. It does not include fan-initiated revenues. As the future of work continues to drastically evolve over the coming years, it's critical for the music industry to relinquish some control—as long as they can automatically participate in the upside.
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
STS GLOBAL INCOME & GROWTH TRUST: Resilient fund has helped to turn defence into an investment art form
Investment trust STS Global Income & Growth is not designed to shoot out the lights. Far from it. Since Troy Asset Management took over its reins in late 2020, it has been more defensive than attack-minded – happy to provide a rising flow of income to shareholders while gently enhancing the value of investors' capital, and preserving it when stock markets plunge. It's a conservative investment approach which has worked so far. Since November 2020 it has generated a return – a mix of capital and income growth – in excess of 35 per cent. While this is below the average 43 per cent return for its global equity income peer group, senior fund manager James Harries says the £287 million trust is doing exactly what the portfolio was set up to do – steering a steady course through ups and downs. He runs it with colleague Tomasz Boniek. 'We want STS Global Income & Growth to be a high quality, low volatility trust in the global equity income space,' says Harries. 'That means running a concentrated portfolio of exceptional, resilient companies which are capable of generating sufficient income to support growing dividends. We see our core shareholders as having a requirement for income while not wishing to see their capital depleted – that is what we are trying our hardest to deliver.' In terms of income, the trust's annual dividend is moving in the right direction. While the payment was cut in the financial year they took over management of the trust – 'a necessary resetting,' insists Harries – it has ticked up gently over the past three years, from 5.7p a share to 6.54p. Three years should become four in the next few weeks or so when the trust reports its final quarterly dividend payment for the financial year ending March 31 (dividends paid so far this year total 4.758p). As far as capital depletion is concerned, it has been far more resilient than its peers recently. Over the past six months the trust has recorded a gain of 5 per cent compared with the 3.2 per cent loss by the average for its peer group. At other times when markets have declined – for example, at the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 and later in the same year when interest rates rose suddenly – it has proved equally resilient. The trust is currently invested across 31 companies, with its only exposure to the 'magnificent seven' US stocks – Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla – being in Microsoft. Though Harries says it is difficult to make predictions about the future for markets or the world economy, given President Donald Trump's unpredictability, he believes there is the likelihood of a recession in the United States, explaining: 'We are due a more difficult period.' In recent months the trust has taken stakes in a number of new stocks. These include Spanish IT company Amadeus, UK pest control specialist Rentokil, German tech company Siemens and US sportswear giant Nike. Harries says: 'Nike's shares are a third of the value they were trading at in late November 2021. The company may have to shift some of its production away from Vietnam if Trump's tariffs remain in place, but it has sufficient pricing power to withstand what the President puts in its way. 'At the end of the day, it remains a quality business – and that is what I am interested in holding under the bonnet of STS Global Income & Growth.' Annual trust charges total 0.77 per cent, its market ticker is STS and identification code B09G3N2.
Western Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
First Minister Eluned Morgan visits Cardigan's Barley Saturday 2025
The historic event, with its unique parade of stallions, drew spectators from far and wide to enjoy the lively atmosphere, smartly turned-out horses and gleaming vintage vehicles. And amongst the crowds was Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, who said afterwards: "Brilliant to be at Barley Saturday today! 'It's one of the local highlights of the year - a celebration of Cardigan's deep farming roots, local produce and the incredible sense of community that makes this part of Wales so special. First Minister Eluned hitches a ride aboard Ken Symmons' tractor. (Image: Stuart Ladd) 'Thirty one years ago, my first visit (was) where I went on the back of a gambo led by an amazing horse! 'It was wonderful to return today to see how much it has grown and developed with thousands lining the route." The Supreme Champion leads the parade. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Barley Saturday's history stretches way back to 1871 when horsepower was king and motorised vehicles were still three decades in the future. It keeps alive a long-held tradition, whilst bridging the divide between the country and the town, said show secretary Tudor Harries. Welsh Cob Section D winner, Abergavenny Flash Harry, owned by Karla Gardner of Menai Stud, Pantydefaid and shown bv Thomas Jones. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Barley Saturday got underway at 11am with the stallion show on the playing fields of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi. The streets were packed for the event. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Overnight rain and a damp morning deterred a few of the entrants, but there was still an encouraging turnout of 50 stallions and a further ten exhibits in the turnout and harness classes. A stallion is put through his paces in the show ring. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Mr Harries added: 'We had healthy classes of Shires and Shetlands, and it was good to see a number of new exhibitors. They all seemed to enjoy the day. The Supreme Champion on a victory run through the town. (Image: Stuart Ladd) 'What makes Barley Saturday special is there's no big pressure, everybody had a smile of their face, and people are happy to come along to see the tradition continuing.' These youngsters are helping to keep the Barley Saturday tradition alive. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Mr Harries particularly thanked the day's sponsors who help to offset the event costs of around £10,000. 'We have rising costs every year, so sponsorship, however small is very valued,' he said. Action from the unique parade of stallions. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The 2pm parade through the town was preceded on foot by the parade marshal, vintage secretary Mark Jukes and was headed by show president Mrs Helen Jones, of Castell Howell, her husband, Brian, and show chairman Geraint James and his wife Sian, of Awen Teifi, riding in a carriage drawn by John Fletcher's 'Gentle Giants'. The show organisers were pleased with the 'healthy' turnout of stallions. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The supreme champion stallion was Dane Valley Lord Louis, a three-year-old Shire owned by Joe Durman of Eagle Shires, Llandeilo who led the horse parade A spirited stallion display in the show ring. (Image: Stuart Ladd) A steady stream of vintage vehicles, including cars and tractors of all makes, shapes and sizes, followed hard on their heels. Vintage tractors on parade. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The reserve champion stallion was Cruglwyd Rhuban Glas, a three-year-old Welsh cob from Capel Iwan. This gleaming vintage car was a head-turner. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The heavy horse/harness turnout supreme was won by Kim and Dawn Hawker of Laugharne's private exercise vehicle with Shetland pony Wern Ferlig Douglas between the shafts. Reserve was Paul Munder from Salem's tradesmans's vehicle, pulled by Fred the Shetland. The Best Tradesman turnout and reserve heavy horse/turnout awards were won by Paul Munder of Salem. (Image: Stuart Ladd)
The Guardian
02-04-2025
- The Guardian
Film-maker Jack Harries embraces slow living with a move to Cornwall
Converting an old water mill in Cornwall has given the presenter and documentary maker the chance to connect with nature and find peace along the way. Join Harries as he explores a rare British rainforest and reflects on why nature is 'the ultimate teacher'. Plan your next outdoor adventure and get outfitted in style with the latest collection from
The Guardian
02-04-2025
- The Guardian
‘Microadventures have transformed my life, and they can do the same for you' – Jack Harries on the power of getting out of the city
People may not realise, but there are rainforests in Britain: awe-inspiring places teeming with life, where verdant lichen and mosses cover everything and ancient trees shelter the nests of declining birds such as redstarts and pied flycatchers. I was lucky enough to spend a day recently visiting one of these rare temperate rainforests on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, soaking in the intense green landscape, with its boulders, crags and river gorges, like something from a fairytale. Everywhere you look are epiphytes – plants growing on other plants, life supporting life. Being there, surrounded by nature at its most extraordinary, had a profound impact on the way I felt. In places like that, it's impossible not to feel your shoulders drop and your heart rate slow; to feel present, alive and, by the time you leave, renewed. I love the term 'microadventure', an outdoor excursion which doesn't need to be long, but leaves you revitalised. Since leaving London for Cornwall last year, I've experienced so many of these. They've transformed my life – and I believe they can do the same for any of us, regardless of where we live. 'I find myself taking the time to appreciate what's around me.' Harries wears throughout, including the Gardener boot (below right) We're fortunate in this country that most of us don't need to travel far to take a daycation in nature and feel it shift our perspective. The vastness of nature reminds us of something larger than ourselves, making our worries feel less significant and helping us reconnect with what really matters. Where I am now, equidistant from the south coast, the rugged heights of Bodmin Moor and the Tamar Valley, nature's wild drama is all around. It's only a few hours' train journey from London – where I was born, grew up and lived for more than three decades – but it feels like a different world. I loved my life in the big city, working as a film-maker and running my company, Earthrise Studio, a media platform dedicated to raising awareness of the climate crisis. But the young people I met taking action through inspiring projects – everything from creating a local community energy scheme to rewilding ancient forests – made me want to do more, to live what I preached. When I stumbled upon an old water mill close to the Cornwall-Devon border while browsing online, I knew I'd found what I was looking for. It had an old hydro-turbine in the garden, which used to provide renewable energy but had fallen into disrepair, so I decided to embark on a long-term plan to take the property off-grid and make it fully self-sufficient. Last year, I planted the first seeds in my greenhouse – onion, chard, tomatoes, leeks, strawberries and so much more – and recently I planted an orchard of Cornish cider apple trees. There's an old hand-cranked wooden cider press at the mill and I have a dream of making cider one day. This totally different way of living is a huge challenge, and it's constantly humbling as I immerse myself in learning new skills. Nature can feel oppressive, particularly in winter, when the landscape grows bleak and unforgiving, but I've learned to see the beauty in the changing seasons and what each of them bring: allowing myself to slow down in the winter and then celebrate the abundance of the spring. And when it comes to sustainability, nature's the ultimate teacher. There's no such thing as waste in nature; everything is a resource for something else. When I look outside my windows today, all I can see is green, and it's an endless source of inspiration. Whatever the season, my pace of life is now so much slower, which has been transformative for my mental health. Like many others, I've gone through periods of depression, of feeling overwhelmed and alone while surrounded by millions of people in the city. Now, I find myself taking the time to appreciate what's around me, and it's so uplifting to take a walk through stunning scenery with my dog, Lyla. Her joy and wonder at whatever we encounter is infectious. 'I've learned to see the beauty in the changing seasons,' says Harries Gradually, I'm learning to redefine productivity, too. I used to think of time away from my computer screen as unproductive, but now I spend hours every day working outside, planting and doing carpentry, and feel an incredible sense of achievement. And when I do sit down at my desk afterwards, I can focus more easily and get more done in a shorter time. I'm more creatively inspired than ever. I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2022, and, for a long time before that, I struggled to love the side of myself that's always been silly and playful, when I wanted to be taken seriously. But being in nature brings out that childlike side of me – how can it not when you're seeing such enchanting sights? – and has helped me embrace it. When I lived in London, most of my adventures in nature happened when I got on a plane to visit the Amazon, the Himalayas or Antarctica. Now, I've realised so much is on our own doorstep. I'm exploring the south-west by taking wild camping trips and visiting amazing places such as the temperate rainforest at Cabilla, the 120-hectare (300-acre) hill farm where Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is working on a massive restoration project. His charity, the Thousand Year Trust, is working to triple Britain's surviving rainforest to 405,000 hectares (1m acres) over the next 30 years. He's also transforming his family's farm with agroforestry, natural regeneration and the planting of 100,00 trees. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after three tours of Afghanistan, Merlin found solace and healing in his family's forest, and after just a few hours there, I felt calm and rejuvenated. Even if you're not planning to move to the countryside, my train journeys down here have made me realise how easy it is to get out of the city to somewhere incredible. If you're feeling stressed or weary, a short trip could take you on an adventure into the wilderness, shift your mindset and help you hit the reset button. Even if just for a day, its impact can be so powerful. My daycation kit A camera I use a Nikon FM2, which is an old film camera that used to belong to my mum. It has no screen or notifications; you can't even look at the picture you've taken until it's developed. I find it helps me to really pay attention to everything I'm seeing. Gardener bootsA sturdy, comfortable pair of boots is a necessity if you're going to be walking in nature or working outdoors, in weather that's always unpredictable. Gardener boots are hard-wearing, water-resistant and stylish, and crucially, they last.A good book I've been reading Being Ecological by Timothy Morton, and I'm also reading about cider-making and British orchards, which is fascinating. A book to help me identify plants when I see them is another must; there's so much to learn. My Hungarian vizsla dog, Lyla She keeps me company on all my adventures. I love watching her sense of presence and curiosity. Plan your next outdoor adventure and get outfitted in style with the latest collection from
