The move represents a significant coup - and very neat solution - for Sony UK chairman and CEO Ged Doherty, who had been in talks with the Phonogenic team to extend their deal with the company and also find a replacement for Nick Raphael, who is leaving the major for Universal at the end of June.

And Doherty conceded as much. "It was very seamless. It is sad to see him [Raphael] go, because Nick is a great character. But ...