Our friend is a really talented singer / songwriter in Norfolk. He needs to be professionally assessed and, hopefully, signed for a recording / performing contract.
He's already fallen foul of one fraudulent agency which demanded money in advance but which would not prove its credentials, so my question is this:- How can we find a reputable agent who will advise him or possibly take him on?
No reputable agent will take money in advance. They will listen to a tape or CD first usually then come and see a live gig if they are interested.
There is a book for film & TV agents called the Film & Television contacts book. It lists agents and the types of material they handle. A similar thing may exist for musicians.