AIM (Association of Independent Music)  is a non-profit-making trade organisation for independent record companies and distributors in the UK. Their job is to help individual members' businesses, and to support the needs of the independent sector through: information, advice, seminars, mentoring, networking, legal and business affairs guidance, work experience scheme etc.. www.musicindie.com

APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services) - The APRS promotes the highest standards of professionalism and quality within the audio industry. Its primary aim is to develop and maintain excellence at all levels within the UK audio industry. www.aprs.co.uk

The Band Register - The Band Register is the industry standard information source for bands, record companies and other organisations to check before adopting a name www.bandreg.com

British Library National Sound Archive: One of the largest sound archives in the world. As well as holding over 1 million discs, tapes, and many other sound and video recordings it offers public access to a wide range of specialist publications, books, magazines and journals covering every aspect of recorded sound. sounds.bl.uk

BMR - British Music Rights - Promoting the interests of Britain's composers, songwriters and music publishers. www.bmr.org

The BPI is the representative voice of the UK recorded music business. BPI members account for approximately 90% of all recorded music sold in the UK, and globally the UK's recorded music market is the third biggest. www.bpi.co.uk

BACS - British Academy of Composers & Songwriters: The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters is the largest composer/songwriter membership organisation in the world, representing the interests of over 3,000 UK music writers. www.britishacademy.com  

The BRIT Trust, BPI charity giving young people a chance to express their musical creativity regardless of class, sex, race or ability.www.brittrust.co.uk

Creative Choicesº provides the tools, knowledge and networks to support the development of every individual and business within the creative and cultural industries. www.creative-choices.co.uk

Equity In addition to representing actors, Equity represents vocalists active in the music business. www.equity.co.uk

ERA (Entertainment Retailers Association): UK trade organisation formed specifically to act as a forum for the retail and wholesale sectors of the music (and related products) industry. www.eraltd.org

Guild of International Songwriters & Composers: International organisation which offers advice and services to members comprising of music industry personnel throughout the world. www.songwriters-guild.co.uk

JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services) is dedicated to making links between Education and the Media Industries. JAMES is the education arm of the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), the Music Producers Guild (MPG) and the UK Screen Association. www.jamesonline.org.uk

Association of British Jazz Musicians: Formed to promote the growth and development of jazz music within the UK. www.jazzservices.org.uk

Musicians Benevolent Fund: Provide help and support to musicians and their dependants and also those in related occupations in any area of music. www.mbf.org.uk

MPA (Music Publishers Association): Trade association supporting the interests of UK music publishers. www.mpaonline.org.uk

Music Producers Guild: The Music Producers Guild promotes and represents all individuals in the music production and recording professions. www.mpg.org.uk

Musicians Union: Aims to protect the statutory and contractual rights of musicians.  

MMF (Music Managers Forum) As a body representing managers the MMF seeks to raise professional standards in music management. It also helps its members develop management skills and knowledge of the music industry.  www.musicmanagersforum.co.uk    

NAYO The National Association of Youth Orchestras representing youth orchestras throughout the UK and fostering their development www.nayo.org.uk  

NUS Ents Entertainment division of the National Union of Students www.nusonline.co.uk

PAMRA (Performing Artists Media Rights Association) Performers’ collecting society for the broadcast of recorded performances www.pamra.org.uk

www.patent.gov.uk  

PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd) Collection society licensing broadcast and public performance of sound recordings in the UK on behalf of record companies and performers www.ppluk.com   

PRS for Music (Performing Right Society) Collects licence fees for the public performance and broadcast of musical works and distributes this money to its members – writers and publishers of music.    www.prsformusic.com

Radio Academy Organisation supporting the radio broadcasting industry, aiming to foster a greater understanding of the medium.  www.radioacademy.org 

Scottish Music Information Centre: Documenting and promoting Scottish music. www.scottishmusiccentre.com

SongLink International: Industry resource for music publishers and songwriters.  www.songlink.com