Michael Brown Associates / MBA Group (England)

This specialist consultancy was founded in 1980 by Michael Brown, following a career in photography which led him to be General Manager/Finance Director of Tony Stone Associates. He was actively involved in the early development of stock catalogues in the UK and the foundation of BAPLA in 1975.

MBA Group provides a diverse range of services to the picture industry under the broad heading of business development which includes every management discipline. All projects commence with a review of the existing business model and then the creation of a marketing strategy to satisfy client expectations. Clients range from sole traders to multi national corporations, from photographers to global computer giants.

In 1988 Michael Brown gave a series of presentations, sponsored by Fuji, entitled 'Shooting for Stock' which featured one of the earliest Nikon digital cameras. This began a crusade to expand digital technology within the picture business. During the last decade MBA Group became deeply involved in all aspects of digital technology; undertaking research, hosting conferences and promoting it's use for corporate communications.

Now in 2001 Michael Brown is still at the forefront of the industry organising two industry firsts. On the 12th March an International Conference on 'Picture Portals' and on the 1st May 'Picture House' an exhibition for picture buyers and their suppliers.