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The BPI, the trade body which represents the nation's record labels, can reveal that British artists accounted for an impressive 13.7 per cent share of global music album sales in 2014 ' or just over 1 in every 7 albums purchased around the world.

This impressive feat represents an improvement on the 13.0 per cent share in 2013 and is the highest figure recorded since the BPI has collated the survey data from sources around the world. The lack of historic data available means that it is not possible to judge whether this represents the highest share ever achieved by British artists, but it represents the strongest performance in recent years.

In all, 5 of the top 10 global recording artists of the year were British ' One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Sam Smith and Pink Floyd ' with the tally increasing to 6 if the dual nationality AC/DC are included.

However, many other artists also made a significant impact on the world stage in 2014, notably London Grammar in France and Australia, Paloma Faith in Australia, James Blunt in Germany and Arctic Monkeys in North America and other territories.

Top 10 Global Recording Artists 2014

Pos. Artist Album Album sales * Nationality
1. Taylor Swift 1989 6.0m USA
2. One Direction Four 3.2m UK
3. Ed Sheeran X 4.4m UK
4. Coldplay Ghost Stories 3.7m UK
5. AC/DC Rock Or Bust 2.7m UK/Australia
6. Michael Jackson Xscape 1.7m USA
7. Pink Floyd The Endless River 2.5m UK
8. Sam Smith In The Lonely Hour 3.5m UK
9. Katy Perry Prism 1.2m USA
10. Beyonce Beyonce 1.4m USA

Source: IFPI (positions based on worldwide album sales, track sales and streams. * Album sales include physical and digital formats)

The Government's Department of Business (BIS) is a valued supporter of British music exports, including through its Music is GREAT campaign and its vital UKTI funding of the BPI's Music Exports Growth Scheme2, which was established in September 2013 to help small and medium-sized independent music companies increase their international sales.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Rt. Hon Sajid Javid MP, comments:
'The popularity of British music at home and abroad is, appropriately, only going in 'One Direction'. These record figures are fantastic news and show the enormous demand for UK music all around the world.'