Entertainment Retailers Association
With hundreds of members ERA is a trade association which acts as a forum for retailers and wholesalers in music, video, multimedia and DVD products industry and was set up in 1988 with a view to exchanging information and pooling knowledge.
Membership is about £370 depending on turnover. It also has a free pamphlet with useful info on starting a record shop.
Tel: 01202 292067
Website: www.bardltd.org
Email: admin@eraltd.org
Chain With No name (CWNN)
CWNN is an alliance of retailers who support the best emergent acts and labels. It's aided by Vital, which provides key retail support and co-operative marketing initiatives. There are currently 103 shops in the chain, offering exclusive products, specialised sales support and discount initiatives. It is free to join and applications are assessed on turnover and level of support across a wide range of genres.
Email: info@cwnn.org
Performing Rights Society (PRS)
If you play music in your business you need clearance to do so from the owners of that music: the PRS and MCPS represent the owners and can get you the clearances you need. There is a minimum annual higher royalty for a music licence as well as a minimum annual standard royalty for a PRS Licence.
New licence hotline: 08000 684828
Email: musiclicence@prs.co.uk
Website: www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk
British Phonographic industry
www.bpi.co.uk