Sound Recording & Music Publishing in the UK - Industry Research Report

Volume up: Industry revenue is forecast to grow despite the wider economy facing headwinds

Over the five years through 2022-23, industry revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 0.6% to reach £2.5 billion. Revenue tumbled in 2020-21, on the back of dwindling physical media sales due to the forced closure of retailers and recording and publishing delays due to the pandemic-related measures. The industry has since rebounded and revenue is forecast to grow by 1.2% in 2023-23, despite the wider economy facing headwinds, inclusive of surging inflation, which is set to dampen real household disposable income.

Firms in this industry produce original sound master recordings and promote and distribute them to wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Music publishers acquire and register copyrights for compositions; promote, authorise and use compositions in recordings, TV and various other media; and publish music and sheet music. Publishers either own the copyright or act as an administrator of the music copyrights on behalf of the copyright owners. Amateur recording is excluded.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.