Businesses close to the new SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow have reported a welcome boost in trade by playing recorded music at their Finnieston venues. And research into the value of music to businesses carried out by music licensing company PPL has shown that in Scotland, 73% of bar and pub operators questioned believe that playing music can boost trading.
PPL exists to ensure that those who invest their time, talent and money in making recorded music are fairly paid for their work. PPL’s 90,000 members include small independent artists, backing vocalists and session musicians such as percussionists or orchestral players and also major record labels and globally successful performers.
Licence holders report significant benefits
Since opening a year ago, numerous artists have played the 13,000 capacity SSE Hydro such as Calvin Harris, Simple Minds, Beyoncé, and Jessie J.
PPL, which is committed to understanding and demonstrating the potential power that playing music can have on a business’ bottom line, found a number of its licence holders within walking distance of the arena, have reported significant benefits of playing music ahead of gigs.
Increasing trade up to 30%
Peter McKenna, manager of The Gannet restaurant on Argyll Street, said: “During gig nights at The SSE Hydro the whole of Finnieston can be awash with concert goers before and after events which leads to a real buzz. We tend to tailor our music selection to cater for fans on certain Hydro nights depending on the artist, and can see an increase in trade on these nights of up to 30%.
“Many nights we have had groups of people dancing in the bar after the food service has ended – we love that our customers feel comfortable enough to let their hair down and this wouldn’t happen without music. Glasgow has a rich music history and we find that the atmosphere of our establishment is greatly improved by playing recorded music.
“Meanwhile, for the chefs in our kitchen they have music playing from 7.30am to wake them up and to keep the rhythm of the kitchen flowing.”
Fans enjoy hospitality as well as concerts
John Langford, Director of Live Entertainment, The SSE Hydro and SECC said:
“The impact across the City has been considerable with the surrounding area undergoing a development renaissance and nearby businesses feeling the benefit of the footfall coming to The SSE Hydro. Indications now are that fans are embracing the whole concert going experience, planning ahead and enjoying the bars and restaurants not only on our own campus but locally too before and after an event which is great news for everyone.”
Customers spend more time where music is played
PPL’s research also showed that in Scotland, 60% of respondents said they would spend more time in restaurants, bars and clubs that play music. This was especially true for those questioned who go out more than twice a week, with 100% saying that they are prepared to pay more and stay longer in venues playing music. In total, 80% of respondents agreed that both staff and customers alike would complain if the music was switched off, with over one in five businesses stating that they would prefer to lose a day’s trading than operate in a silent environment.
For more information on PPL click here
Follow on Twitter @PPLUK
About PPL
PPL is the music licensing company which works on behalf of over 90,000 record companies and performers to license recorded music played in public (at pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, offices and many other business types) and broadcast (on TV, radio and online) across the UK. Members include major record labels and independents as well as globally successful performers and session musicians, ranging from orchestral players to percussionists and singers. The majority are small businesses, all of whom are legally entitled to be fairly paid for the use of their recordings and performances.
PPL also operates an international royalty collection service. With 71 reciprocal agreements in place in 35 countries with other international collecting societies – or Collective Management Organisations (CMOS) as they are sometimes referred to – PPL helps members to get paid when their music is played internationally. ppluk.com / @PPLUK.
After the deduction of PPL’s running costs, all licence fee income is distributed to members. PPL does not retain a profit for its services. In 2013 PPL paid £152.2m in revenues to its members.