The Dispatch
Guides, field notes and unfiltered opinions for the people who put on live events, and the fans who turn up.
All guides
1,023 guidesGuide to Paying Artists and Performers
A practical guide covering how to pay artists and performers for events, including fee structures, contracts, tax considerations, and payment timing.
How to Manage Event Finances with Spreadsheets
A practical guide to using spreadsheets to track event income, expenses, and cash flow, with templates and formulas you can use immediately.
Accounting Basics for Event Businesses
A beginner-friendly guide to accounting for event organisers, covering record keeping, self-assessment, invoicing, and when to hire an accountant.
How to Handle Refunds Without Breaking Your Budget
A practical guide to managing event ticket refunds, covering refund policies, legal requirements, partial refunds, and strategies to minimise financial impact.
Getting a Business Bank Account for Events
A guide to opening and managing a business bank account for your event organising business, covering what you need, why it matters…
How to Track Expenses During an Event
A practical system for tracking event-day expenses in real time, so nothing falls through the cracks and your post-event reconciliation is straightforward.
Profit Margins in the Events Industry
An honest look at profit margins in the UK events industry, covering what affects profitability, how margins vary by event type…
How to Split Revenue with Venues and Promoters
A guide to structuring revenue splits between event organisers, venues, and promoters, covering common deal types, negotiation tips, and written agreements.
Guide to Crowdfunding an Event
A practical guide to using crowdfunding to finance your event, covering platform choices, campaign strategy, reward tiers, and realistic expectations.
How to Secure Event Sponsorship Deals
A practical guide to finding, approaching, and closing sponsorship deals for events, covering proposal writing, valuation, and relationship management.
Grants and Funding for Community Events
A guide to finding and applying for grants and public funding for community events in the UK, covering major funding bodies, eligibility…
How to Set Up a Limited Company for Events
A step-by-step guide to incorporating a limited company for your event business, covering Companies House registration, legal requirements, and practical considerations.
