Category Supporter

The Independent Retailer of the Year category is supported by ERA. The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) is the trade grouping representing UK digital services and digital and physical retailers in the music, video and games markets. Formed initially as group of record retailers over 25 years ago, ERA has since grown into a broad-based advocacy group embracing many of the most dynamic and fastest-growing companies in the entertainment industry. ERA members supply the sales data which powers the Official Charts Company (music and video charts) and GfK Chart-Track (video games). ERA also provides the organisational force behind the UK’s Record Store Day, the annual celebration of independent record stores which has become the most successful new music industry promotion of the past two decades. ERA is a strong proponent of open markets, open standards and consumer choice.

Category Sponsor

Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues. Founded in January 2014, we aim to secure the long-term future of UK Grassroots Music Venues by highlighting their crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent and providing a platform for artists. We work to gain recognition of the essential role these venues fulfil, not only for artist development but also for the cultural and music industries, the economy and local communities. We aim to preserve and improve venues, making them more efficient and improving the experience for performers and audiences. We are the nominated representative of a 600-strong network of venues: the Music Venues Alliance and advocate on their behalf both within the live music industry and in the wider political and social landscape.