Small and medium-sized music companies are receiving government help to promote acts on the global stage.

Launched at Wednesday’s Brit Awards the Music Export Growth Scheme will initially provide financial support to 14 UK-signed acts, according to trade minister Lord Livingston.

British musical exports account for more than 13 per cent of global sales.

The scheme is a joint venture between UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It is part of a wider scheme to get 100,000 additional business exporting overseas.

“Fifty years on from the Beatles arriving in the America, the Music Export Growth Scheme will give more talented young British artists the chance to be successful on the international stage,” said Lord Livingston.

“This scheme is just one of a number of ways UK Trade and Investment helps music businesses to get into the rhythm of exporting.”

The artists are:

• Afrikan Boy

• Beth Jeans Houghton

• Catfish and the Bottlemen

• Drenge

• Filthy Boy

• Fred V & Grafix

• George Benjamin

• Holy Mountain

• Melt Yourself Down

• Public Service Broadcasting

• The Crookes

• The Temperance Movement

• Throwing Snow

• Zara McFarlane