The full consumer launch of CliqTM – the new music download service from UBC Media Group, is on track to launch on December 4th. Profits at the company are expected to be up 13 per cent on the same period last year, which will help give a healthy start to the new service.
CliqTM is designed to take advantage of next generation digital radios, which will also be broadband Internet devices. These will feature a 'buy' button and enable listeners to purchase songs with a single click from live radio stations.
However, to speed short term adoption, the service will launch as a 'Java' application, available to 85% of current mobile handsets, meaning that radio listeners can use their mobile phones to instantly identify and purchase music that they hear on the radio.
UBC continues to have strong cash balances, boosted by the proceeds of £3.95m from the sale of the Classic Gold Digital network to GCap earlier this year.
The company also announced this morning that Jenny Donald, the company's finance
director, will be leaving on December 5th to fulfill a longstanding ambition to sail around the world. Gavin Rigby will become UBC's acting finance director while a replacement is sought. Gavin has been UBC's Financial Controller for four years.
Simon Cole, CEO of UBC Commented: 'Jenny will leave UBC's finances in rude health with cash in the bank for development. Gavin Rigby has served as Jenny's number two for the last 4 years and I'm confident he is a very safe pair of hands.
We thank Jenny for her service, she has waited patiently for the right opportunity to take this maritime adventure and we wish her well with this exciting journey.'