The association of regional distributors included some of the most notable labels of the 1980s UK post-punk and indie scene: Rough Trade, Backs, Fast Forward, Nine Mile, Probe, Revolver and Red Rhino.
The cost of technology and studio time was falling, making it possible to produce an album for a budget that didn't need the backing of an established label.
Tony K, who had a long career in music retail and publishing[5][7] had started Red Rhino as a record shop in 1977, then made its first release as a label in 1979.
The Cartel regional distribution structure included Backs (Norwich), Fast Forward (Edinburgh), Nine Mile (Leamington Spa), Probe (Liverpool), Revolver (Bristol), Red Rhino (York) and Rough Trade (London), together with Jungle Records (London) who supplied the nationwide Our Price Records chain until 1986.
By 1984 the Cartel had enough success with bands like Joy Division[citation needed], Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, Pigbag, The Smiths, Vice Squad and many others to move to a large warehouse in Kings Cross, London.