BRIT Trust Diaries: Peter Leathem on PPL's commitment to The Music Industry Trusts Award ceremony

The Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the UK music community, bringing together industry leaders to honour outstanding contributions while supporting vital charitable causes. PPL, the UK’s music licensing and royalties organisation, has been a steadfast supporter of MITS since 2007, underscoring its commitment to nurturing the music sector.

Peter Leathem OBE, PPL’s CEO, reflects on his longstanding personal and professional connection to the event, having attended over two decades of ceremonies. Memorable moments include high-profile tributes to artists such as Elton John in 2002, Gary Barlow’s recognition that reunited Take That on stage in 2012, and Annie Lennox’s accolade in 2013. These occasions exemplify MITS as a unique celebration where the music community gathers to recognise distinguished peers.

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the MITS ceremony functions as a major fundraising platform for two critical charities: The BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. Together, these organisations have benefitted from over £7 million raised through the event, funds that directly fuel initiatives aimed at enhancing music education, wellbeing, and social impact.

The BRIT Trust, a primary beneficiary, channels resources into a diverse range of projects across the UK that promote creative arts education and social justice. A notable focus is The BRIT School, a free performing arts school renowned for cultivating numerous successful careers in music and related fields. PPL's involvement extends beyond financial support; through PPL Giving, with an annual budget of £1 million, the organisation provides mentorship, career guidance, and industry insights to emerging talent at the school.

Leathem emphasises the value of fostering sustainable careers in music, a principle reflected in PPL’s royalties collection work. By ensuring performers and rights-holders receive fair compensation when their recordings are used domestically and internationally, PPL plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy music ecosystem.

Moreover, the BRIT Trust’s grant-making extends to charities like Music Support, Key4Life, and BAPAM, the latter of which focuses on healthcare for performing artists and is chaired by Leathem himself. This broad charity portfolio highlights the industry’s holistic approach to supporting its members’ wellbeing.

Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy organisation, also benefits substantially from PPL’s backing. The charity’s therapists help individuals across age groups and backgrounds to reconnect and communicate through music. Leathem recounts the profound testimonies he has encountered from families whose lives have been transformed by these therapy sessions, underscoring music’s therapeutic potential.

In addition to MITS, PPL actively supports Nordoff Robbins’ flagship events including the Silver Clef Awards and the recent Legends of Football gala, further cementing its role in merging music with charitable outreach. Leathem’s leadership extends to chairing these events, illustrating PPL’s deep-rooted involvement in the sector’s philanthropic landscape.

The upcoming 2024 MITS ceremony, scheduled for November 9 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, will honour Guy Moot, chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music. Leathem’s longstanding acquaintance with Moot lends a personal dimension to the tribute, which recognises a career marked by significant industry impact.

Previous recipients of the MITS trophy include Ashley Tabor-King CBE, founder and executive president of Global, who was honoured in 2023. The ceremony also showcases performances from celebrated artists, with recent line-ups featuring Rita Ora, Jessie J, and Olly Murs, adding a vibrant live element to the evening.

As the event approaches, PPL’s ongoing sponsorship and active participation affirm its dedication to celebrating excellence, supporting emerging talent, and promoting charitable causes that enrich the UK’s music industry and community.