PPL chief executive Peter Leathem has told Music Week that the strength of the current UK music biz is the main driver behind its largest ever international Q1 payments.
The figure, paid on March 31, rose 15% on its Q1 2016 payment, up from £13.6 million to £15.7 million.
In addition, the number of performer and record company members receiving international revenue allocations from PPL in Q1 was up 10% to over 33,000, in comparison to 30,000 members in the same period last year.
It’s likely that the turbulent exchange rate has also impacted on the figures.
“The underlying factor is the strength of the UK repertoire that is produced here and exported round the world,” said Leathem.
“It starts with a fantastically strong industry here in the UK, and for us it’s making sure we have the correct agreements in place around the world so we can mange the data flow that takes place between us and other CMOs to make sure our members are getting paid properly.”
Leathem also told Music Week that he expects further growth over the coming months and years.
“We are anticipating that we’ll have growth in the years to come,” he said.
“This is because there are more countries putting rights in place, the CMOS are better at licensing and growing income, and we’re all doing better at managing repertoire data and the logistics of ensuring members get paid properly.”
