25.11.2025: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl addressed delegates as part of the annual State of the Nation panel at Un-Convention 2025 in Manchester.

Focusing initially on positive developments, Tom highlighted the publication of UK Music’s This is Music 2025 report, which revealed GVA and exports for the music industry both grew by 5% last year, with the sector now being worth £8 billion to the economy. Exports generated £4.8 billion in 2024, with employment growing by 2% to 220,000 people.

Tom welcomed the recent good news from the Government regarding a face value price cap on the resale ticketing market, as well as the announcement regarding a greater emphasis on creative subjects in schools with the abolition of the EBACC attainment measure which disincentivised studying music.

However, Tom raised a cautionary note with regards to Artificial Intelligence and in response to audience questions expressed concern about creators’ and rightsholders’ ability to enforce their rights. Tom gave the example of folk musician Emily Portman who appeared to be a victim of fraudulent AI generated music being passed off as her work in the summer.

Finally, Tom urged all attending Un-Convention to continue to engage with the political process, given the difference policy decisions can make to the sector, and ahead of key elections next year which will define the rest of the Parliament.

The panel brought together a stellar line-up from across the music industry and also included Peter Leathem (CEO, PPL), Dr Jo Twist (CEO, BPI), Jon Collins (CEO, LIVE) and Bev Whitrick (COO, Music Venue Trust). The State of the National panel was chaired by Mark Gordon (Score Draw Music).