PPL reported 2025 revenue of £315.3 million at its 2026 Annual Performer Meeting in Edinburgh, marking its fifth consecutive year of growth. The organisation also announced two newly elected Performer Directors and discussed opportunities for Scottish artists to reach international audiences.
Revenue and performer representation
Chief executive officer Peter Leathem OBE said revenue rose 4.75% from the previous year, supported by stable UK licensing and record international collections. International revenue increased 16% to £94 million. PPL paid £127.5 million to more than 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders during 2025.
Roxanne de Bastion and Jackie Davidson MBE were elected Performer Directors. Opening the meeting at Fringe Central, PPL Chair Dr Richard James Burgess MBE reflected on his first year in the role and the importance of performer representation through the Performer Board and the main PPL Board.
Support for performers
Leathem also discussed PPL Giving, the organisation’s £1 million annual programme supporting talent development, opportunities and performer welfare across the UK. Its Scottish recipients include Wide Days, Drake Music Scotland and The Benedetti Foundation, alongside activity linked to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
BAPAM introduced StageFit, a free training app designed for performers. After the formal programme, members could speak with PPL staff at a helpdesk and in individual sessions.
Scottish talent and international audiences
A panel chaired by PPL Senior Industry Relations Manager Titania Altius examined how Scottish artists can develop their careers internationally. Speakers were Hamish Fingland, founder of Bounse MGMT; Chloe Rowlatt, PPL’s head of international; and Kitt Carr, director of events at Wide Days.
The day ended with performances by Zoe Graham, KuleeAngee and The Spook School at The Caves in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
