Home-based entertainment agent

Couples planning weddings, parents, companies running parties, pubs, hotels and other venues. Commission is usually taken from the performer's fee or added on top for the client.

A commission or booking fee on each act you place, often a percentage of the performer's fee. Some agents also charge clients a fixed agency fee for sourcing acts.

• Good with people and negotiation
• Organised, with attention to detail
• Building a local network of performers and venues

• Written contracts covering cancellations, deposits and who is responsible if an act does not turn up
• Public liability insurance for performers: check whether your acts hold their own or whether you need cover
• Whether your acts need licences, such as music licensing for venues, which the venue usually handles, so check who is responsible
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council if running the business from home needs permission
• Late payments and chasing fees from clients

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £1,000, depending on your website, contracts, marketing and any insurance you take out. These are estimates, so start small and build your roster of acts before spending more.

Check you have written contracts covering cancellations, deposits and what happens if an act does not turn up. Check whether acts hold their own public liability insurance, who is responsible for licences such as music licensing, and whether working from home needs permission.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500, depending on how many bookings you make and the commission you charge. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week. Late payments from clients can slow cash flow.