I am an absolute sucker for Christmas markets. Each year, drawn by the cute little huts, twinkly lights and festive music, I drag my (less enthusiastic) other half along to one of the UK's growing number of Christmas markets.

The second AIM Independent Music Awards took place last night in London, the culmination of a year's worth of work for myself and the AIM Awards team.

Why would AIM, the body looking after the UK's independent labels and their artists, decide to shoehorn one more awards show into the already full-to-bursting calendar?

It's never been a better time to be independent. Not only in the music industry but in every way. With an ipad and a smartphone and a good idea you can run a business from anywhere. People are being laid off work because belts are being tightened.