British releases make up almost 12 per cent of world record sales

According to figures published by record label trade body the BPI, British artists accounted for almost 12 per cent of worldwide record sales in 2010, CMU has reported.

In America, the world’s largest music market, one in ten of all artist albums sold were from UK acts. British artists also accounted for 13.4 per cent of sales in Canada, 17.9 in Germany, 14.5 in France and 20.2 in Australia. While British artists may have only accounted for 3.8 per cent of sales in Japan, that makes up a fifth of all international sales in country where the market is dominated by native talent. Furthermore, a survey conducted by MORI suggests that 83 per cent of Brits are proud of the UK music community’s achievements.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor, said: “Britons are rightly proud of the fact that we are global leaders in music – one in five of the top 50 selling records released around the world last year featured British artists. As more people consume music online, we have the opportunity to get even stronger. In March this year, UK performers held the top three positions in the US Billboard Chart for the first time in 25 years."

He continued: "From The Beatles to Adele, the UK generates extraordinary talent that is backed by labels with digital knowhow and global ambition. Overseas success not only generates jobs and export income, it fosters a positive reputation for Britain around the world. It’s time for government to match words with action [on piracy] and get behind creative industries like music that can power growth of the UK economy in the 21st century."