PPL’s 2026 Annual Performer Meeting brought together performers, industry experts and PPL executives at Fringe Central in Edinburgh to reflect on the organisation’s progress and the issues relevant to performers and the wider music industry.
The meeting included updates on PPL’s financial performance, technology and data, as well as the announcement that Roxanne de Bastion and Jackie Davidson MBE have been elected as Performer Directors. It also featured a panel discussion exploring the development of Scottish talent and opportunities for artists internationally.
Dr Richard James Burgess MBE opened the meeting, reflecting on his first year as PPL Chair and the perspective gained from a career spanning performance, production, songwriting, entrepreneurship and music industry advocacy. He also shared his observations on PPL’s work and the organisation’s focus on delivering for creators. He said:
“My role as chair is to help PPL refine and build on its success, not to reinvent it. PPL operates in a highly complex environment. Its work requires attention to detail, commercial determination and a clear sense of purpose. The team must work hard to bring money into the organisation, but, more importantly, to get it out again and into creators’ pockets. During my first year, I have been struck by the depth of expertise across the organisation and by the seriousness with which people approach their responsibilities.”
He also emphasised the importance of performer representation within PPL’s governance, with performers having a direct voice through the Performer Board and representation on the main PPL Board.
Business progress
PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE shared an update on the organisation’s performance, highlighting a fifth consecutive year of growth. Revenues reached £315.3 million in 2025, up 4.75% on the previous year, supported by stable UK licensing and a record year for international collections.
International revenue grew by 16% to £94 million, while PPL paid £127.5 million to more than 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders during the year.
He also highlighted PPL’s continued focus on investing in its systems and services and delivering greater value for members. He said:
“Supporting performers and maximising value for our members has always been at the heart of what we do. While the industry around us will continue to evolve, that fundamental purpose remains unchanged.”
Supporting the wider music community
Peter also highlighted the impact of PPL Giving, the organisation’s £1 million annual programme supporting organisations that develop talent, create opportunities and provide welfare support for performers across the UK. In Scotland, this includes support for Wide Days, Drake Music Scotland and The Benedetti Foundation, as well as activity linked to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He commented:
“A thriving music industry depends on more than great music alone. It depends on people having the opportunity to develop their talent and participate fully in the music community.”
The APM also saw BAPAM launch StageFit, a new free training app designed specifically to support performers, with BAPAM joining the event to introduce the new resource.
From grassroots to global
The APM also featured a panel discussion, ‘From Grassroots to Global: Developing Scottish Talent for the World’, exploring how artists can develop their careers and reach audiences internationally.
Chaired by Titania Altius, Senior Industry Relations Manager at PPL, the panel brought together Hamish Fingland, Founder of Bounse MGMT; Chloe Rowlatt, Head of International at PPL; and Kitt Carr, Director of Events at Wide Days.
The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges involved in taking Scottish talent to international audiences, drawing on the panellists’ experience across artist management, international neighbouring rights and music industry development.
The formal programme was followed by a member helpdesk and one-to-one sessions, giving performers the opportunity to speak directly with PPL colleagues.
The day concluded with a celebration of live music at The Caves in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with performances from Zoe Graham, KuleeAngee and The Spook School. Bringing performers, members and the wider music community together, the evening provided a fitting close to another successful APM.
