Iconic Independent Ace Records Moves Distribution to Proper
Proper to physically distribute Ace’s repertoire in UK and Ireland from 1 October
Ends decades of Ace handling physical distribution in-house
Proper, the UK’s largest independent physical music distributor, has signed a distribution deal with legendary British independent label Ace Records.
Starting 1 October, Proper will handle sales, fulfilment, invoicing and cash collection for Ace, distributing its releases to record shops across the UK and Ireland.
Founded in 1975, Ace is one of the UK’s longest-running independent labels with a vast, enduring catalogue. As of September 2026, Ace has released 5,772 albums, generating sales of over 12 million units.
Ace has become renowned for restoring, curating and reissuing historic UK and US recordings from iconic artists including Gil Scott-Heron, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, B.B. King, The Sonics, Funkadelic, Isaac Hayes, Wanda Jackson and many more. The label’s curated compilations have helped define the genre, with recent collaborations including Bob Dylan, Paul Weller, Jarvis Cocker, and David Holmes, and many more slated for 2027.
The label has also released albums from Motörhead and The Damned under the legendary punk imprint, Chiswick Records. Chiswick will relaunch as a standalone label in 2027, with a combination of rare and previously unreleased recordings along with new artist signings who embrace the rock’n’roll attitude of the original label.
Being the last UK independent label to manage its physical distribution in-house, Ace’s decision to appoint Proper represents a vote of confidence from one of the industry’s longest-standing imprints.
Drew Hill, Managing Director at Proper, said: “It means a great deal to be trusted by Ace as it makes such a significant change after 50 years of handling its own distribution. Our businesses share an independent spirit, as well as a deep respect for physical music and the incredible catalogues we look after. Our job now is to build on that legacy – using Proper’s specialist infrastructure to get Ace’s releases into the hands of even more music fans across the UK.”
Neil Scaplehorn, Managing Director at Ace Records Ltd, added: “Having been entrusted with the label by the founders Ted Carroll, Roger Armstrong and Trevor Churchill in 2021, we’ve been reviewing every part of the business – upgrading where we can whilst honouring the legacy that the founders created. Moving into Proper feels like one of the last major pieces in the jigsaw – hopefully enabling us to reach many more fans and spread great music to an even wider audience.”
This partnership follows Ace’s 50th anniversary in 2025, which saw the label celebrate with a series of shows at Koko in Camden, a week-long pop-up shop, and exclusive releases throughout that year.