The UK music industry has entered a new chapter with the announcement of a fresh £1.6 million funding round aimed at helping independent artists take their music global. The fund is being distributed under the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS), backed by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), with support from the country’s recorded music industry.
This latest allocation is targeted at small- to medium-sized UK companies, offering them the chance to secure grants of between £5,000 and £50,000. These funds can be used for international touring, marketing and promotion campaigns, as well as other efforts to help musicians reach overseas audiences.
In this 23rd round of MEGS funding, the £1.6 million supports 58 UK artists spanning a wide variety of styles and regions. From indie rock and electronic acts to jazz, soul, and genre-blending newcomers, the sweep of recipients reflects the diversity of Britain’s musical talent. Artists who have previously received support include: HotWax, Fat Dog, court.alto, Nubiyan Twist and Wunderhorse.
The impact of the scheme, previously and going forward, is significant. Since MEGS launched in 2014, it has invested over £7.6 million and supported more than 450 artists. Advocates of the fund emphasise its strong return on investment: according to official estimates, MEGS has previously generated returns of nearly £14 to the UK economy for every £1 invested.
Government and industry leaders have underlined why this funding matters, especially in 2025’s challenging economic and cultural climate. The Business and Trade Secretary described the initiative as a key part of efforts to “amplify British creativity” and help home-grown acts “export to all corners of the globe.”, according to GOV.UK. For many independent musicians, especially those without the backing of major labels, touring abroad or launching international promotion would simply be unrealistic without this kind of support.
More than just a grant, the new funding round represents a vote of confidence in the UK’s creative future. It offers emerging and mid-tier artists a chance to grow beyond local or national stages, and, with MEGS backing, helps maintain the UK’s long-standing global reputation as the powerhouse of musical innovation.
Applications for the fund are now open and can be found here.
