Sound recording and music publishing activities

SIC 59200Section J: Information and communication|Data verified: 2026-04-17
15,374Active Companies
Section J: Information and communication
Division 59
SIC 59200

What is SIC Code 59200?

SIC code 59200 covers sound recording and music publishing activities activities in the UK, with 15,374 active companies currently registered. This represents a significant segment of UK business activity. It falls under Section J (Information and communication) of the UK SIC 2007 classification system, which is used by Companies House to categorise all registered businesses.

See the full industry analysis on the Sound recording and music publishing activities industry page.

15,374
Active
22
Dissolved
16,915
Total
8.5y
Avg Age

Sector Analysis

With a 91% survival rate, this sector shows strong business longevity. Only 22 of 16,915 companies registered under this code have dissolved, well below the UK average. Companies in this sector average 8.5 years old, reflecting a balanced mix of established businesses and newer market participants. Growth has been exceptional recently: 54% of all active companies were formed since 2020, marking this as one of the fastest-expanding classifications. The 2010s contributed another 30%, meaning the vast majority of businesses are relatively new. Geographically, the sector is heavily concentrated: LONDON alone accounts for 35% of all active companies (5,443 firms). The top three locations — LONDON, MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD — represent 39% of the sector.

Formation by Decade
10%
30%
54%
Pre-1990: 419
1990s: 486
2000s: 1,486
2010s: 4,687
2020s: 8,296

Frequently Asked Questions about SIC 59200

What does SIC code 59200 mean?

SIC code 59200 stands for "Sound recording and music publishing activities" under the UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2007) system. It belongs to Section J — Information and communication. Companies use this code when registering with Companies House to indicate their primary business activity. The code is required for annual confirmation statements and is used by HMRC, ONS, and other government bodies for statistical and regulatory purposes.

How many UK companies use SIC code 59200?

There are currently 15,374 active companies registered under SIC code 59200 in the UK, out of 16,915 total registrations. This gives a survival rate of 91%, meaning 9% of companies registered under this code have since dissolved. These figures are based on Companies House data and updated regularly.

Where are most SIC 59200 companies located in the UK?

The top locations for sound recording and music publishing activities companies (SIC 59200) are: LONDON (5,443), MANCHESTER (304), SHEFFIELD (257), BRISTOL (206), BIRMINGHAM (197). Geographic concentration can reflect local economic conditions, industry clusters, or proximity to key markets and supply chains.

Is the sound recording and music publishing activities sector growing or declining in the UK?

The sector is growing: 54% of currently active SIC 59200 companies were formed since 2020, and 30% during the 2010s. This sustained formation rate indicates ongoing demand for sound recording and music publishing activities services in the UK.

What is the typical company profile for SIC code 59200?

Companies classified under SIC 59200 have an average age of 8.5 years. This suggests a balanced sector with both established players and newer entrants. Notable companies include PHONOGRAPHIC PERFORMANCE LIMITED, ESSENTIAL CHRISTIAN, BEINGHUMAN LTD.

What SIC codes are similar to 59200?

Related SIC codes within the same division include: 59112 (Video production activities), 59111 (Motion picture production activities), 59113 (Television programme production activities), 59120 (Motion picture, video and television programme post-production activities). Companies may use multiple SIC codes if they operate across several of these related activities. When registering with Companies House, businesses should select the code that best represents their primary activity.

How do I find companies registered under SIC code 59200?

You can search for companies with SIC code 59200 (Sound recording and music publishing activities) using UVAGATRON's company explorer, which allows filtering by SIC code, location, and company status. Alternatively, Companies House offers a basic search on their website. Our platform adds risk intelligence, director networks, and signals from 50+ government databases to each company record.

Explore Companies Under SIC 59200

Search, filter, and analyse 15,374 companies classified under this SIC code with AI-powered risk intelligence.

Data sourced from Companies House, HM Land Registry, FCA Register, and 50+ government databases. SIC classification follows the UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities 2007 (SIC 2007). Last updated: 2026-04-17.