THE Carlton James Group in Royal Wootton Bassett has invested $1.8m into a music management firm that has worked with top artists like Amy Winehouse and CeeLo Green.

Bristol-based 3tone will use the line of credit to find and develop the careers of more artists.

Carlton James chief executive Simon Calton said: "The artists that they’re pushing are definitely out there. The music industry has changed, with this they get more experience.”

He believes that 3tone is ahead of the times and can adapt to the changing music industry.

He said: “The way they approach the music industry is ahead of the others. They have an ability to adapt.”

He added that the investment was a big step for Royal Wootton Bassett because it would help to push the town’s name out into the world.

“We want them to do as well as they can, and we help to make sure the business is run properly," he said.

“Eventually they will find that one great artist.”

"The music industry is a great place to be and their versatility and ability to fill many roles within the music and creative artist industry, coupled with their company’s leadership, creates a tremendous market opportunity.”

Managing director of 3tone Dean Roberts, who found singer songwriter John Newman and helped him to make it as a top artist worldwide achieving more than four million sales worldwide, was delighted with the investment.

He said: We at 3tone are extremely excited to have the Carlton James Group join us as strategic growth partners.

“We have formed a very solid infrastructure that will ensure 3tone has a prominent foothold in the music industry of today and tomorrow.”

The Carlton James Group, which has its UK office in Lime Kiln, is an investment outfit involved in a range of industries worldwide, from real estate financing in America to financial advice, in the Middle East, pension administration and consultancy. And 3tone's MD has worked with household names including Echo and the Bunnymen, and Queens of the Stone Age.