MUMBAI: In order to support the promotion of UK music around the world and boost the music economy, the fourth round of funding under the Music Export Growth Scheme was recently announced. Under the scheme, more than ?1 million has been distributed to 60 labels, artistes and management companies in the UK this year.

The 16 acts that will benefit from funding are Andy Burrows (London), Esben and the Witch (Brighton), FEMME (Rugby), Happyness (London), Hollie Cook (London), Jo Hamilton (Scotland), Jo Harman (Sussex), Kindness (London), Kyla La Grange (London), Lewis Watson (Oxford), Mamas Gun (Brighton), Pulled Apart by Horses (Leeds), Steven Wilson (Hemel Hempstead), Tom Vek (London), Wild Beasts (Kendal) and Wolf Alice (London). The acts are from Scotland and England and consists the genres of rock, soul, RnB, hip hop, reggae, electronic and folk music.

The announcement was made by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and BPI during Export Week which runs until 14 November.

Music Export Growth Scheme UKTI Music Sector Specialist Phil Patterson said, "The UK has a strong musical heritage that dates back through many decades. UKTI is proud to support this thriving sector which strengthens the reputation of our country as a world leader in creativity whilst helping to grow the UK economy."

Recipients of previous funding include Mercury Prize winners- Young Fathers, the MOBO award-winning jazz artist- Zara McFarlane, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Drenge, Public Service Broadcasting, Metronomy, Imogen Heap, Hadouken, Slow Club and Dry the River.

Music Export Growth Scheme is a 25 million project which was announced by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron in October last year.  The scheme is in partnership between the BPI and UK Trade & Investment. This is part of government's effort to support one lakh small and medium-sized businesses exporting. The limit set for Independent music companies is between ?5,000 and ?50,000.

The Scheme will re-open for applications on 17 November 2014.