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  • BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE calls on UK Government to support music businesses in pursuit of creative industries growth, while BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones highlights importance of IP to UK’s world-leading creativity
  • Political names including Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson and Wes Streeting celebrate British music with their own playlists at BPI’s Silent Disco

At this year’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, leaders from across the music and wider creative industries came together to discuss the impact of British creativity on the global stage, the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) in driving investment and innovation into the UK’s £125bn-per-year creative industries, and the continued need for government support.
 
BPI leaders Dr Jo Twist OBE (Chief Executive Officer) and Sophie Jones (Chief Strategy Officer) participated in packed panel discussions, with a clear message throughout: the UK government should protect IP and explore how best to support a positive business environment for the music and wider creative industries, in order to capitalise on British creativity’s enormous economic and cultural growth potential.
 
BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE joined a flagship panel discussing British Creativity on the Global Stage, with colleagues from the Motion Picture Association (Emilie Anthonis) and Publishers Association (Caroline Cummins) as well as Baroness Dinah Caine to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s creative sectors.
 
In a wide-ranging session chaired by Total Politics’ Mark Wallace, Dr Twist welcomed the inclusion of music as a significant sub-sector in the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, calling the focus on investment, innovation and talent announced as part of the Plan “the right priorities for Government, and the right priorities for our members.” (…) “A dedicated sector plan like this is important,” said Dr Twist, “to ensure the music industry can continue to play a role in delivering growth and ensuring that the UK remains a global hub for creativity.”
 
Dr Twist called on the Government to remain steadfast in its support of the UK’s gold-standard IP framework, which “turns music consumption around the world into revenue for artists, businesses and the economy”, and also stressed that supporting creative businesses as well as creators was vital to the music industry’s continued growth:
 
“Too often in policymaking, the ‘industries’ side of the creative industries can be forgotten. Between 2020 and 2024, UK label businesses invested over £2 billion in artist A&R and marketing – an investment which has helped the UK cultivate global music stars. As well as directly supporting creators, it’s critical that the Government also supports the businesses and industry investment underpinning the UK’s musical success if we are to see British creativity continue to thrive.”
 
Meanwhile, BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones joined a panel in the Cultural and Creative Pavilion on IP in the Age of Gen AI: Rights, Revenues & Responsibilities, alongside the Premier League’s Max Chambers, the Publishers Association’s Mandy Hill, DACS’ Reema Selhi and Samantha Niblett MP. Over the course of a 90-minute session, Jones reiterated that “copyright is what turns creativity into investment; undermining it risks the UK’s world-leading position.”
 
Calling on the Government to encourage and stimulate a dynamic licensing market for intellectual property, rather than a previously-proposed ‘opt-out’ system for AI training, Jones pointed to the number of positive steps already being taken by British music businesses to develop robust licensing frameworks which would enable creative and AI businesses to flourish in tandem. “It’s clear that licensing works in music -the challenge lies in identifying scalable technical solutions which can be universally applied. Creators and rights-holders alike must have a seat at the table in ongoing discussions around IP, and we must ensure that AI training does not come at the cost of Britain’s world-class creativity.”
 
Elsewhere at the conference, the BPI also hosted its highly-popular silent disco which is a celebration of British music. In association with Total Politics, the event featured playlists from a host of well-known political faces including Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy MP, Deputy Leadership Candidate and Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Government Steve Reed MP, and Lucy Powell MP, who is also standing to be Deputy Leader. Links to each participant’s playlist can be found below:

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sam Fender donates Mercury Prize money to Music Venue Trust

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of the UK’s grassroots music venues (GMVs), today announces that Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to MVT to support its ongoing work protecting and securing the future...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy launches new commissioning templates for classical composers

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11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Sabres of Paradise withdraw music from Spotify over ethical and artistic concerns

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

IMPEL continues growth with five new members

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK music promoter diversity database launches

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team expands ‘Sounds of the Future’ programme to the UK

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK Music Pays Tribute to “Outstanding” Chair Lord Watson as Peer Announces Decision to Stand Down from Role as Industry Leader

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Catherine Anne Davies (aka The Anchoress), Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) and Rina Sawayama elected to the FAC board

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

“Music To Your Ears” Podcast Explores the Future of Music Marketing and Promotion

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

BPI comment: British music hits high note at Grammy nominations

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10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Appoints Michael Young as Chief Information Officer

Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”) today announced the appointment of Michael Young as Chief Information Officer, effective today. Based in Nashville, Young will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.  As CIO, Young will lead the company’s technology strategy...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Music Ally Connect 2026 announces full agenda and additional speakers, spotlighting AI, gaming, and new global markets

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Molotovs sign global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

More Than 100 Emerging Artists Added To ESNS Festival Line Up

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Action Required: Stop the spin, put music-makers first in AI deals

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Cantilever, “the MUBI of music streaming”, now live on iOS

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Leda Chang joins Warner Music Group as SVP, Global Brand & Audience, Catalog

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Impala urges shared climate action and fair access to transition pathways ahead of COP30

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07 Nov 2025 | Press release

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu and KT Tunstall picks up Modern Scottish Classic Award

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06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Catalog Reclaims Billion-Dollar Music Licensing Industry for Culturally Vital Artists

Proven in private BETA with Hermès and Dior, the platform ends the impossible choice between artistry and the brutal deadlines of visual media !K7, Beggars Group, City Slang, Domino, Erased Tapes, Kompakt, Mute Song, Ninja Tune, Partisan Records, Warp& more form...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Joiners and The Croft bought by 'Own Our Venues' Community Ownership Scheme

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06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Techno icon Adam Beyer signs exclusive publishing deal with Armada Music Publishing

The worldwide agreement encompasses Beyer's extensive publishing catalog and future works. Armada Music Publishing, the dedicated publishing division of Armada Music Group, is proud to announce the signing of techno legend Adam Beyer to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement. The agreement encompasses...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Amazon Music Lights Up the Holiday Season with New & Exclusive Original Tracks

Amazon Music Lights Up the Holiday Season with New & Exclusive Original Tracks From Artists Including Gwen Stefani, Kylie Minogue, Marc Anthony, Mariah The Scientist — Plus New Holiday Merch Collections from Mariah Carey, and more    Gwen Stefani's new original track "Shake...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Ecotricity, LIVE, AGF & Music Venue Trust Team Up on Game-Changing Green Energy Scheme

LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment) has supercharged its partnership with Ecotricity Business and A Greener Future (AGF) in a landmark initiative alongside Music Venue Trust (MVT). The Live Events Energy Scheme (LEES), powered by Ecotricity Business, gives venues, and promoters a simple, impactful way to cut carbon emissions...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Ed Sheeran helps change the music curriculum in England

ED SHEERAN'S OPEN LETTER TO UK GOVERNMENT HELPS BRING ABOUT CHANGE TO MUSIC CURRICULUM THE PRIME MINISTER ADDRESSES ED SHEERAN - AND HIS IMPACT - IN A NEW LETTER ED UNITED KEY INDUSTRY NAMES TO HELP ADVOCATE FOR MEANINGFUL MUSIC EDUCATION FIRST MAJOR...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

MNGRS.AI, the French service reinventing artist management through artificial intelligence, raises $1 million from music and sports investors

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06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sounds Right launches world-first platform that lets artists officially feature nature on their music and fund conservation

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06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Concord's Boosey & Hawkes Announces Leadership Transition: Janis Susskind OBE Passes the Baton to Steven Lankenau

  Managing Director Janis Susskind OBE concludes a distinguished 46-year career at Boosey & Hawkes Steven Lankenau appointed President, continuing the company's legacy of championing the world's leading composers Boosey & Hawkes, a Concord company and the gold standard in classical music publishing,...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Global Collections Report 2025: Global creators' royalties reach €13.97 billion, powered by digital growth

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05 Nov 2025 | Press release

AIM elects to Aly Gillani, Helen Sims, Mark Lippman and Toby Egekwu to board at 2025 AGM

AGM held today at independent cinema chain Everyman in Borough Yards Talks explored “The Meaning of Independence”, continuing the theme of this year’s Independent Music AwardsMarks first year in role for CEO Gee Davy amid ongoing expansion of AIM’s local partnershipsGuest...more

10 Nov 2025

  • The music we should save is the music AI needs the most (see Comment)

07 Nov 2025

  • The Council Of Music Makers: Put music-makers first in AI deals (see News)

06 Nov 2025

  • The future of music marketing is no marketing at all (see Features)

05 Nov 2025

  • AIM states that the independents’ voice is now louder, clearer and impossible to ignore (see News)

  • Secondary price caps and figuring out fact vs. fiction (see Comment)

04 Nov 2025

  • Spotify responds to RBX lawsuit over ‘fake’ Drake streams (see Digital)

03 Nov 2025

  • Spotify perfected the business of distraction — and now we’re paying the price (see Features)

  • Remasters, deluxe editions and greatest hits show back catalogues are a goldmine (see Features)

31 Oct 2025

  • Universal Music Group and Stability AI announce strategic alliance to co-develop professional AI music creation tools (see News)

30 Oct 2025

  • UMG and Udio settle lawsuit; announce agreement for new licensed AI music creation platform (see News)

  • The last days of Utopia (see News)

29 Oct 2025

  • UK Music introduces 'Five Ps' guide to boost diversity and inclusion across the music industry (see News)

28 Oct 2025

  • Reservoir Media: A hidden gem? (see Features)

  • The music industry remains divided on generative AI. Where will that leave us? (see Comment)