Eligible small-medium independent music companies urged to get their applications in while they can.

Details and forms available from BPI's bpi.co.uk website 

With the 18th November deadline for entries to the Music Export Growth Scheme fast approaching, music trade body BPI is calling on all eligible companies to make sure they don't miss out on possible funding, and get their applications in as soon as possible.

The Music Export Growth Scheme, funded by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Government organisation that supports UK business overseas, and run by BPI, which represents British recorded music businesses, will make available grants ranging from £5,000 to 50,000 to small-to-medium independent music companies to help them market British music overseas.

The Scheme, which has been has been set up with £3m of funding over the next three years by way of boosting UK exports, is targeted at companies whose artists have achieved success in the UK but are now looking to break through internationally.  Eligible companies are encouraged to apply for a grant that will give additional support to the overseas marketing campaign activity they have planned for their artist. 

Application forms are currently available from BPI’s website http://www.bpi.co.uk/export-scheme.aspx, and, once completed should be emailed to musicexportscheme@bpi.co.uk along with any supporting marketing plans by 18th November 2013.  The site also explains which companies/activities are eligible, and outlines the procedure for applications. 

Applications that are successfully shortlisted will be reviewed by a panel of music industry experts, chaired by John Kennedy OBE, with marketing expertise from organisations including the Music Managers Forum (MMF) and the Association of Independent Music (AIM) as well as representatives of independent record labels, BPI and UKTI. 

The first grants will be announced by the end of December 2013. Further application rounds will take place periodically over the next three years, with the next planned for Spring 2014.

Underlining AIM’s support of the scheme, Alison Wenham, Chairman & CEO of the Association of Independent Music (AIM) said:

"We will be happy to help any company to prepare the paperwork and apply for the fund before the first deadline for applications. This is a great opportunity to access additional funding for international touring, showcasing, and press and promo work." 

Encouraging eligible companies to apply, BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor added:

“This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for British companies looking for that bit of extra help that might make all the difference when they are promoting their artists overseas, and I urge them to apply if they are eligible. Many of our smaller labels punch above their weight when it comes to discovering and nurturing great new music, but it can be a real challenge for them to translate UK achievements into international success given the high costs involved.” 

Chief Executive for UKTI Nick Baird commented: 

“From the classic era-defining sounds of the Beatles and Rolling Stones and such stadium-filling giants as The Who and Queen right up to the recent chart success of Adele, One Direction and Arctic Monkeys, British artists have a proud history of dominating the music scene around the world. The success of these artists overseas contributes around £100m to the UK economy annually and the Music Export Growth Scheme will help smaller music labels launch even more UK artists onto the international stage. This will help us reach our target of getting another 100,000 British businesses exporting – an increase which could add £36 billion to the economy."