Punch Records was established in 1997 as a shop to sell Urban music. It quickly developed into Birminghams leading independent supplier of DJ vinyl. As part of an ever expanding programme of activities including marketing for record labels, sourcing new regional talent, managing artists, promoting events, and working within the struggling regional commercial sector, another arm to the company was set up; Punch Records DJ Workshops. This new organisation, which focused on music education, was initiated in 1999 as a non-profit organisation,.

Today, the record store has closed permanently and Punch Records has developed into a major, ideas-led cultural resource for the city of Birmingham and the West Midlands through its advocacy, advice service, productions, festivals and innovative approach to artist development.