Copyright 2024 - Rev: 22 /11/24
Hawthorn Entertainment Ltd
Ground Floor, Nathaniel House,
Bridgend Industrial Estate,
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FAQ
Venues Booking Direct…BEWARE!!
Recognised trade associations in the entertainment industry are aware of the
social media explosion and whilst they are recommending their members to
embrace and utilise the facilities, they would also like to highlight the pitfalls to
hirers who have or are considering booking artistes direct.
Hawthorn Entertainment Ltd have been members of The Agents Association
(Great Britain) Ltd since 1991. Director Neville Williams FEAA has been a fellow
member since 1994
You might be mistaken into thinking that by booking the act directly you will save
money by cutting out the middle-man – the agent – but you would be wrong.
Agencies can almost always book an artiste at a significantly cheaper fee as they
have all important ‘booking-power’ – something which a private individual
doesn’t.
Of course, booking through an agent is usually a sign of quality, as Hawthorn
Entertainment carefully audition and select only the best managed acts for our
clients.
Other benefits aside from quality and value are an assurance to the booker that
the event will be correctly contracted, publicity support provided and current
legislation is followed to the letter regarding Public Liability Insurance and PAT
testing.
The most important benefit of all about using Hawthorn Entertainment Ltd is
our comprehensive out-of-hours service, supplying back-up and support in the
dreaded event of an artiste breaking down or falling ill. We will be there to assist
in covering the event to the best of our ability. So rather than surf the internet
looking through hundreds of act’s websites, use our wealth of experience to make
your event as safe, successful and cost-effective as possible.
With Hawthorn Entertainment Ltd, you are in safe hands.
Things are not as simple as they seem:
This report has reached a leading trade association from a member agent:
The agent has had experience of arranging bookings at a major hotel for many
years in Eastbourne. This hotel, over a period of several years, booked several
acts direct & paid from petty cash.
The Hotel was unable to confirm to HM Revenue & Customs, the real names and
addresses of acts / bands booked as many acts / bands had given false names to
secure payment.
As a result, this venue was liable to Tax equating to 25% of each booking that they
could not account for dating back six years plus 25% penalty amounting to
£250,000 in total.
All venues/hirers booking acts directly are required to comply with Section
16 of Taxes Management Act 1970. Click here for details
Failure to supply information as required is a criminal offence. For further
information on tax matters, click here
Under The Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Businesses
Regulations 2003, Entertainment Agencies are legally bound to keep this
information for venues that they book.
If that hotel had used an entertainment agency that was recognised as part of a
trade body, none of the above would apply to the hotel…
Buyer beware – Is the artist giving you all the legally required documentation and
paperwork?
Crackdown over Cyber Scams
The Government is investing £4.3 million to focus on fake products, ticket scams
and traders hiding their identity to avoid giving consumer redress. This also
applies to agents, some existing only on social networking sites with a mobile
number, false email address and no trading address. Check consumer rights
Child Performer Licensing laws
These are due to be overhauled in an attempt to achieve parity between the
regions. Check child performers licensing laws
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate: Rogue Agents
There are many new agents setting up with no regard for the law.
The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, who monitor these agents, has
published their mission enforcement policy statement. Details from:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/eas/about-us
Complaints
Download this guide
DTI Regulations
URGENT TO ALL AGENTS / HIRERS / VENUES / CLIENTS
New regulations came into force on Tuesday 6th April 2004
It is imperative that you are aware to the changes to the legislation which will
affect all
AGENTS / HIRERS / VENUES & CLIENTS.
All agents MUST ensure that they have a copy of the Statutory instrument 2003
No. 3319
The Conduct of Employment Agencies and
Employment Business Regulations 2003
The Regulations can be viewed on this link
Produced in conjunction with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation and
Equity, this guidance (159Kb) provides information on The Conduct of
Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
All venues and clients are advised to ensure that agents that they deal with
comply with the regulations to protect them from possible legal action against
them.
Agents that comply are usually those who have taken the trouble to join trade
associations such as The Agents Association (Great Britain Ltd of which Neville
Williams FEAA is a fellow member) and The National Entertainment Agents
Council (NEAC). We are longstanding members of both organisations.
These organisations regularly advise the government department responsible for
policing this regulation of agents in each area that they believe are breaking the
law.
At present, they have advised the inspectors of at least 65 agencies in Wales alone
who are committing offences.
Penalties for agents or persons trading as agents that do not comply with
this legislation
Up to £5000 fine per incident and up to 10 years ban from running an agency.
The advice Agency Standards to agents is: Comply or shut immediately!!