Ms Dynamite was a double winner this year

Details of shortlisted artists will not be given to record companies in advance for fear the news will leak out early to the press.

Brits bosses acted after some acts' names appeared in a national newspaper in the run-up to the 2003 ceremony.

Next year's show will take place at Earls Court in London on 17 February.

Brit-nominated artists can expect a healthy upsurge in sales - and labels have been quick to capitalise with stickered CDs and retail window displays.

But a spokesman said this year's awards would focus on a single "blanket" Brits promotion rather than individual artists.

A compilation album will also be delayed until after the nominees are announced on 12 January.

Table seating is being reintroduced for music industry bosses, reversing last year's move to prevent alcoholic drinks being consumed in the awards hall.

A new category, Best British Rock Act, will celebrate the success of guitar-led UK bands.