Dolphin Music and PMT: A History of Musical Equipment Retail
The landscape of musical instrument retail has seen significant shifts over the last few decades, moving from traditional mail-order catalogs to expansive digital storefronts. The story of Dolphin Music and PMT (Play Music Today) serves as a poignant example of entrepreneurial ambition, corporate acquisition, and the eventual volatility of the retail market.
The Founding of Dolphin Music
Dolphin Music began as a venture driven by the ambition of two students at Liverpool University, Robert Williams and Jason Tavaria. Utilizing a combination of student loans and credit cards, the duo established a company focused on selling musical equipment through two primary channels: mail order and the burgeoning internet market.
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Corporate Transitions and S&T Audio Ltd
The company faced a personal tragedy in 2009 when co-founder Robert Williams passed away during a snowboarding trip in Switzerland. Following this period, the business underwent a change in ownership. In 2011, Dolphin Music was acquired by S&T Audio Ltd.
S&T Audio Ltd expanded its footprint in the music industry by managing a diverse portfolio, which included the Dolphin Music brand, the PMT (Play Music Today) retail stores, and the PMTonline webstore.
The Administration of S&T Audio Ltd
Despite its established presence, S&T Audio Ltd encountered severe financial difficulties. In June 2025, the company entered administration—a legal process where an external administrator is appointed to manage the company's affairs to pay off creditors or facilitate a sale.
This process resulted in the closure of 11 UK-based retail stores and the shutdown of all online operations associated with the brand.
The Acquisition by Gear4music
Following the administration, Gear4music stepped in to acquire specific assets from the administrators. These assets included commercial data, trademarks, websites, and existing stock. However, it is important to note that Gear4music did not assume PMT's ongoing trading business or its liabilities. Furthermore, Gear4music has stated that it has no plans to resume trading under the PMT brand name.
Key Facts
- Founders: Robert Williams and Jason Tavaria started the business while studying at Liverpool University.
- Initial Model: The company launched as a mail-order and internet-based musical equipment retailer.
- Ownership Change: S&T Audio Ltd purchased Dolphin Music in 2011.
- Closure: S&T Audio Ltd entered administration in June 2025, closing 11 UK stores.
- Asset Sale: Gear4music acquired stock and trademarks but will not revive the PMT brand.
| Year/Date | Event | Key Entity Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Era | Company established via student loans/credit cards | Robert Williams & Jason Tavaria |
| 2009 | Death of co-founder Robert Williams | Dolphin Music |
| 2011 | Acquisition of Dolphin Music | S&T Audio Ltd |
| June 2025 | Entry into administration and store closures | S&T Audio Ltd / PMT |
| Post-June 2025 | Acquisition of assets (stock, trademarks, data) | Gear4music |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Dolphin Music?
Dolphin Music was founded by Robert Williams and Jason Tavaria while they were students at Liverpool University.
What happened to S&T Audio Ltd in 2025?
In June 2025, S&T Audio Ltd entered administration, which led to the closure of its 11 UK stores and its online operations.
Did Gear4music buy the PMT business?
Gear4music acquired assets such as stock, trademarks, and commercial data from the administrators, but it did not take on the ongoing trading business or the liabilities of PMT.
Will the PMT brand return to the market?
No, Gear4music has indicated that it has no plans to resume trading under the PMT name.
What was the original business model of Dolphin Music?
The company originally focused on selling musical equipment through mail order and the internet.