Forge edition 3
Tell us a bit about your business
Music For Functions is an entertainment agency, primarily providing music (and other acts) for weddings, corporate parties and functions. Whether it’s a 15-piece showband or more bespoke entertainment, we can provide exactly the kind of act that our customers are looking for. With over a decade’s experience supplying entertainment to private, corporate and festival clients, we know exactly what’s needed to start the party – allowing our clients to relax and enjoy the day, knowing their guests are having a great time. We also have a wide range of roaming acts, singing waiters, flashmob dancers and magicians to provide that something special to make an event truly memorable!
What made you go into this creative industry?
I’ve been playing in bands since I was 16 and so have built up a great understanding of this industry; having been on the other side of the fence as a performer playing for other big agencies, I wanted to create something a bit different, something where musicians were paid a better rate for their services and felt valued, and to try and help the client/customer understand the value of the entertainment being supplied.
What’s unique about your business that you would love to share with us?
We’re not the biggest agency, but I think that we provide a level of service, creativity and attention to detail that is sometimes hard to find at the larger agencies.
What did you want to get from Forge?
I wanted to take part in the Forge programme as I wanted to gain a better understanding of key business principles, such as managing the finances of the business and gaining a greater understanding of my key target markets (and how I can sell/promote the business to them more effectively). I was also looking forward to networking with other local businesses in similar industries, and seeing what I could learn from them
What aspects of Forge have you started to implement already?
From the finance workshop I’ve already started to have a much better understanding of the finances of the business; making sure I have enough ‘runway’ so that we don’t go bankrupt and being a lot clearer on how to read a balance sheet. The sales and marketing workshop has also taught me a lot about who my customers are and that it’s just not just the initial phase of customer acquisition that’s important, but the whole journey through to keeping them as repeat clients.