#RSDUnsigned Competition 2026

Karen Emanuel – Key Production Group CEO and founder

Karen started out in the music business by booking bands and DJ-ing at Leeds University. In the late 80s, she took a job at Rough Trade Distribution, climbing the ladder in an overwhelmingly male dominated sector by asking the right questions and taking every opportunity to learn the numbers side of the business. In 1990, she used a redundancy pay-out to start Key Production which still specialises in the production and manufacture of CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and beautifully art-worked bespoke packaging for music and other industries. Through organic growth and acquisitions, Key is a leader in its field, employing over 60 people at four offices in the UK and Europe. Sustainability is a pillar of Key’s ethos. Karen has made it a priority to continue to research the best practice and share knowledge in this area, placing her as an industry leader. Karen is an advisor to Evolution Vinyl, part of the Vinyl Alliance, and on the advisory board of The Centre for Sustainable Design and Women in Vinyl. She has also contributed to the Impala vinyl pressing group and AIM Climate Action Group. In 2007, whilst on holiday in Nicaragua, Karen saw a sign proclaiming “Island for Sale.” Three years later sees her having built and opened www.jicaroisland.com a luxury sustainable hotel created with Rainforest Alliance certificated wood. Karen’s awards include the NatWest Everywoman Award, Women in Music Roll of Honour and Great British Businesswoman. In her “spare” time, Karen mentors students, talks and volunteers at schools and universities and helps the charity www.migrateart.com. Karen has also set up a CIC (Community Interest Company) called Moving the Needle. MTNnow is an educational initiative to ensure more women achieve life long careers in the Music Industry.

Jess Iszatt

Jess is a dynamic radio presenter, best known for hosting the flagship BBC Introducing Show on Radio 1, where she champions the UK’s emerging music talent. A respected tastemaker in the industry, she is also recognised for her distinctive style, leading to high-profile red carpet and event hosting, such as the BRIT Awards, the Mercury Prize, and the CC Cup with Central Cee. Beyond radio, Jess is an accomplished DJ, bringing energy to a plethora of festivals, music events, and sporting arenas; she has played some of the world’s most iconic stages, including Silverstone, Snowboxx, Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Boardmasters to name a few. Alongside this, she holds a regular DJ slot for her favourite football club, Tottenham Hotspur, where she effortlessly succeeds in entertaining thousands of football fans on game day.

Mark Fulton

Mark is the passionate owner behind The Vinyl Countdown, an independent, family-run record store that has been serving Whitchurch, North Shropshire, since September 2023. It is a true community hub where music lovers can hang out, dig through crates, and enjoy the in-store café run by Mark's daughter. Music is in Mark's DNA—he has spent his entire working life playing in bands, producing, and recording music. The shop welcomes all musical tastes but holds a special place in its heart for hard rock and metal. Make sure to follow their highly popular social media channels to join their growing community online.