Events business ideas with a startup cost over £20,000
28 ideas
These 29 events business ideas suit people who have substantial savings, a loan or investor backing and want to build something with real premises, stock or equipment. Examples include a wedding and event marquee company, a formal wear hire shop and a comedy club with its own venue.
Marquee and event furniture hire
Run a full-time hire business from a small unit, supplying marquees, tables and chairs for weddings and larger events.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Outdoor Christmas market for your town
Run a multi-day festive market with timber chalets, food stalls and entertainment on a square, park or car park.
- £15k-75k
- Part-time
- Own premises
One-day local food, music or craft festival
Plan and run a themed one-day festival on a hired field or park, paid for by tickets, stall fees and sponsors.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Barn or farm wedding venue
Turn a barn, outbuilding or grounds you already own or lease into a venue for ceremonies and receptions.
- £40k-150k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Banqueting hall with catering
Lease a large room and host weddings, dinners and parties, with food and drink included in the hire.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Function room hire with approved caterers
Hire out a hall by the event and let clients choose from a list of local caterers, so you skip running a kitchen.
- £8k-35k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Barn or garden venue for weddings and celebrations
Turn a barn, outbuilding or grounds you own or rent into a venue for weddings, parties and gatherings.
- £10k-50k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Stage lighting hire and sales unit
Run a small unit that hires and sells stage lighting to theatres, bands, churches and event companies.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Audio hire unit for events and venues
Rent a small unit, stock larger PA and mixing kit, and supply venues, festivals and event organisers with delivery and set-up.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Inflatable hire business with a storage unit
Run a larger fleet from a rented unit and supply parties, schools and fairs with castles and play equipment.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Wedding and event marquee hire
Run a full marquee business from a small yard or unit, supplying weddings, festivals and corporate events with a small crew.
- £15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wedding dress hire boutique
Open a small shop or studio with a rail of hire dresses, fittings and accessories for local brides.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Event stand and props workshop
Build custom exhibition stands, stage sets and props for brands and event organisers from a small rented unit.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Costume hire shop for theatre and events
Run a small unit or shop hiring costumes to amateur theatre groups, schools, film makers and party-goers.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Portable toilet hire with servicing round
Supply and service portable toilets for building sites, festivals and events on weekly contracts.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
AV hire with setup and technician
Run a stocked unit hiring sound, screens and projection, with setup and on-site support for events.
- £8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Formal wear hire shop
Run a small high street shop hiring out suits, tuxedos and occasion dresses for weddings and proms.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo booth hire company
Run several booths for weddings, parties and corporate events, with staff covering busy days.
- £6k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Small firework display company
Design and fire shows for weddings, clubs, parties and community events with a small trained team.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Indoor model car racing track
Run a small indoor track where families and hobbyists race remote-control cars, paying per session or hire.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Balloon and party supplies shop
Open a small shop selling balloons, helium fills and party decorations to walk-in customers and event hosts.
- £8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Florist studio with a small shop front
Run a small studio or shop that mixes walk-in sales with wedding, event and corporate flower work.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Seasonal Halloween haunted house
Turn a hired barn, unit or farm building into a scary walk-through with actors, for a few busy weeks each autumn.
- £5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Small children's play centre and party venue
Rent a unit and run a play space for toddler sessions, classes and birthday party hire.
- £15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Costs tend to come from vehicles, storage, stock, fit-out and insurance, so work out what you must buy before your first booking and what you could lease or hire instead. Think about seasonality too, as many events businesses are busy at weekends and in summer, then quieter in winter. Before committing, check lease terms, licensing, public liability cover, and any safety or planning requirements for your premises and activities. Talk to likely customers early, as repeat bookings from venues, planners and local organisations can steady your income.
More ideas
- Small exhibition stand design and build studio
- Neighbourhood soft play centre for under-8s
- Small family amusement arcade
- Comedy club with its own venue
Questions
How can I tell if a higher-cost events business is worth the investment?
Estimate your full startup costs, then test how many bookings you would need each month to cover rent, finance, insurance and wages. Speak to potential customers before buying equipment, and check whether any of your costs could be leased or phased.
What licences or permissions might an events business need in the UK?
It depends on the activity and location. Check whether you need premises licences, alcohol or entertainment permissions, planning consent, or event notifications from your local council. Ask the council and an adviser, as rules differ between areas.
What insurance should I look into before starting?
Check public liability cover first, then consider employer's liability if you hire staff, plus equipment, stock, vehicle and business interruption cover. Ask insurers whether hired-out items, outdoor events or storage units need specific terms.