Take it away Applications Re-open to Expand Access to Music

Applications to become a Take it away member retailer will officially reopen on 9 November 2026. This follows a temporary pause during the retendering process for a new Credit Provider Contract. Novuna Consumer Finance has been appointed as the scheme’s new credit provider from 1 November 2026.

The new partnership marks an exciting next chapter for Take it away, with more accessible terms to make it easier for the scheme 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.

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.”

Adam Clifford from Take it away Member Retailer Just Flutes in Croydon added:

“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.”

Run by social enterprise Creative United and 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.  The scheme provides significant support to retailers, with Creative United’s recent Annual Impact Report showing that 84% of members said it helped them generate increased sales.

By welcoming new retailers into the network, Creative United aims to build on this success, making music more affordable and accessible to people across England and Northern Ireland.

For more information and how to apply click here.