About Company
The BPI is the representative voice of the UK recorded music business. We are a trade organisation funded by our members - which include the UK's four major record labels and hundreds of independent music companies. BPI members account for approximately 90% of all recorded music sold in the UK, and globally the UK's recorded music market is the third biggest.
Established in 1973, the BPI was mandated to “discuss matters of common interest and represent the British record industry in negotiations with Government departments, relevant unions and other interested parties and to promote the welfare and interests of the British record industry.” Over thirty-five years later, we still put this mission statement at the heart of all our work.
The BPI organises the annual BRIT Awards show as well as the Classical BRIT Awards show. The organising company BRIT Awards limited, is a fully owned subsidiary of the BPI. Substantial proceeds from both shows go to the BRIT Trust, the charitable arm of the BPI that has donated almost £15m to charitable causes nationwide, since its foundation in 1989.
The BPI also co-owns – along with the Entertainment Retailers’ Association (ERA) - the Official Charts Company (OCC) which provides the benchmark singles and albums charts in the UK.
We work on behalf of the recorded music industry to provide our members with a comprehensive range of services:
Anti-Piracy: The Anti-Piracy Unit specialises in the investigation of music piracy through the gathering of evidence relating to the unauthorised distribution of BPI members’ copyrighted material.
Certified Awards: The BPI presents certified awards for shipments of 60,000 (silver), 100,000 (gold) and 300,000 (platinum) albums as well as schemes for the singles and Music DVD markets. The awards highlight the success of British record labels and the artists they represent.
Legal Support: BPI Legal provides advice on specific matters relating to key relationships and agreements with other music industry bodies, such as PPL/VPL, the Musicians’ Union and PRS For Music. Additionally, the team’s work involves jointly formulating an IP strategy for the future with the wider creative industries.
Policy and Lobbying: BPI Public Affairs liaises with Government Departments and all political stakeholders to ensure the optimum political framework is achieved for members covering issues such as the term of copyright, protection of intellectual property, and the position of copyright in the digital age.
Promotion of British Music: BPI International ensures that our members are active at national and international trade events to raise their profile and expand their operations into new markets. The International Department currently runs trade missions to Tokyo, LA and the Nordic region and offers discounted rates to members who wish to attend Midem and other international music conferences.
Research Resources: BPI produces the annual Yearbook and monthly reports to assist labels in their understanding of the overall marketplace and the changing environment. Additionally, the Research Department hosts a variety of regular member events, business seminars and training courses, essential for members to stay up to date with the rapid changes taking place in the music market and legal and technological developments.