We are excited to announce a new agreement with Novuna Consumer Finance to help more people spread the cost of musical instruments and equipment while supporting independent music shops.

From 1 November, Novuna will become Creative United’s new credit provider for the Take it away scheme, with new terms designed to make it easier for smaller independent music retailers to join the scheme. 

Funded by Arts Council England and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Take it away helps people overcome the financial barriers to making music by allowing them to spread the cost of instruments and equipment through a 0% interest loan.  

Since launching in 2007, the scheme has supported almost 100,000 people to access musical instruments and equipment, generating more than £73 million in sales and supporting over 100 independent music retailers across England and Northern Ireland. 

Under the new agreement, more accessible terms will make it easier for Take it away to expand its network of smaller independent music retailers, helping more people to access music locally. Novuna’s technology can also tailor finance options to an applicant’s circumstances where appropriate, helping more customers find a payment option that is affordable for them. 

The partnership builds on Creative United’s long-standing relationship with Novuna who provide the finance behind Own Art, the scheme that helps people spread the cost of buying contemporary art while supporting galleries and artists.  

Commenting on the new partnership, Creative United Chief Executive Mary-Alice Stack said: 

“Everyone deserves to make music. Through Take it away we’re not just helping people gain access to musical instruments. We’re also recognising and supporting the valuable role of high street music shops in providing the specialist knowledge and support that people need to continue their development as musicians, whether on a professional or amateur basis. 

“We’re delighted to be building on the strength of our long-standing partnership with Novuna as we move forward with our plans to expand and diversify our network of member retailers across England and Northern Ireland.” 

Brian Flesk, Head of Retail at Novuna Consumer Finance, said:

“Music can play such an important part in people’s lives, whether that’s a child picking up their first instrument or someone returning to music after many years. Take it away is a great example of how accessible finance can help make those moments possible, while also supporting the independent music retailers that provide the expertise, encouragement and advice musicians rely on. 

“By introducing new finance options and terms designed to support the scheme’s growth, we’re looking forward to helping more retailers take part and giving more people the opportunity to make music.” 

Welcoming the news, Adam Clifford from Take it away Member Retailer Just Flutes in Croydon said:  

“We’ve been with Take it away since launch. It’s fantastic and a really important part of what we do. It makes owning an instrument accessible for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, whether that’s the first purchase or an upgrade. The scheme has had a very positive effect on sales too and the new competitive rates are a gamechanger.” 

For customers, Take it away can make a significant difference in accessing instruments and continuing their musical journeys. 

Customer Jacqueline Ready said: 

“The Take it away scheme was a great help to me as a single parent with two musical kids.” 

Musician Billy Thompson added: 

“The Take it away scheme meant I could buy and be out gigging again on the same day. The payment scheme is excellent and I would highly recommend it.” 

With the new partnership, Creative United aims to build on the scheme’s success, supporting more independent music retailers and making music more affordable and accessible to people across England and Northern Ireland. 

Novuna Consumer Finance is one of the UK’s leading providers of retail point-of-sale finance and personal loans, lending around £3bn to more than one million customers every year. 

Find out more about Novuna Customer Finance: https://www.novuna.co.uk/consumer-finance/

Find out more about the Take it away scheme: takeitaway.org.uk. 

Announcement, Take it away

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