Gwen Perry - Gilco Productions

Gwen Perry is a jazz and R'n'B singer who has been performing since the late Seventies, when she launched her career in the renowned Titos nightclub in Palma de Mallorca. She recently created Gilco Productions, an agency that organises cross-cultural events through music appreciation and specialises in social events management.

Where did the original idea come from? It wasn’t a new idea for me. I have created similar agencies in other countries over the past 35 years.

How long did it take to get your business off the ground? It was a question of desire, finding the time and collaborations. To cite an American phrase “where there is a will, there is a way".

What do you wish you’d known when you started? Since there were no real difficulties, there was no lack of information. I only needed to know a little about the music interests of locals, whether Spaniards or Catalans and especially the English-speaking community.

How easy was it get the financing for your business? There was no initial financing, just lots of out-of-pocket advances and selling. I provide the venue to showcase the artist, pay for the publicity, inform my mailing list and the artist informs his/her followers as well. I also informed myself about different online sites for announcing my events.

What is your business experience / background / qualifications? This is my third such agency. While living in Bologna, Italy (1985-1992) I created Bologna Music and organised concerts and events for small product launchings. Later, during the last four years of living in Cairo, Egypt (1996-2000) I created Nile Pearl Productions, organising concerts, product launchings, grand openings (Cairo World Trade Center, commissioned by the American Advertising Agency), company anniversaries (50th anniversary of Singapore Airlines), etc.

What are the positive aspects about having a business here? The positive aspects of having an agency like mine is that it gives me a 'hands-on' involvement and it keeps me involved with people.

And the negative aspects? None, because I love what I do.

Are there any other useful contacts, tips or information you think would be useful to other foreign entrepreneurs in Barcelona? Please describe. This is nothing new, but you must know your product, whom you will be catering to and provide your service with professionalism and lots of love!