About Us

Founded in 2002, under the dynamic leadership of ruggedly handsome(his own words!) Managing Director Del Cotton, Hireaband Ltd has grown dramatically and is now well established as one of the busiest entertainment businesses in the UK. Today, we provide millions of pounds worth of entertainment to clients and offer artists quality engagements throughout Britain.

We recognised that a significant number of entertainment buyers had the experience, knowledge and confidence to hire entertainers direct, preferring not to work through entertainment agents. Hireaband.com is designed to make that process easier by bringing together the widest and most varied list of entertainers possible under the one virtual roof and making this list directly available to you, the client.

Our Team

Del Cotton - Managing Director

Del has worked in show business all his adult life. As a gigging musician he performed all over the UK mainly in covers bands (playing other peoples hits) mainly because he couldn’t make a living performing his own frankly rotten songs.

During his time as a hard drinking working musician Del experienced all the highs and lows of the glamour of show business – transit vans with no heater, carrying tons of equipment up four flights of stairs, turning up for rock gigs to find an audience of pensioners looking for a sing along (don’t talk to me about agents!) the odd mad stalker, jealous boyfriends, drunk best men who’ve lost your cheque and of course drummers!

All this led to the establishment of hireaband ltd, an agency that would endeavour to treat both entertainers and clients the way Del would like to be treated. The business was so successful that Del had to hang up his microphone, put away his guitar (much to the relief of music lovers everywhere) and concentrate on his growing family and business.

Still keen to sing a soul number of two (although hardly ever asked) Del is actively involved in the day to day running of the business with the emphasis on strategy and sales.

Lisa Cotton – Company Director

With a back ground as a senior social worker Lisa joined the company in the spring of 2004. A band widow for many years and with the perfect qualification for dealing with musicians (Crisis intervention!) Lisa has been incredibly important in the development of the business.

Her keen eye for detail and her dedication to customer service has helped cement our reputation for reliability and quality. Her high profile as a successful entrepreneur ensures hireaband are consultants and providers of entertainment for many prestigious corporate events, each of which apparently requires a new dress.

Mandy Blythe – Company Accountant

Mandy keeps us solvent and prevents the worst excesses of Del’s spending sprees. With a background as an accountant with a major high street bank she deals efficiently with all the company’s financial affairs and although an accountant has a great sense of humour but is sadly absolutely tone deaf.

Nicola Bell – Client Liaison

Nicola is a university graduate and an expert in sourcing and providing entertainment solutions for our corporate clients. Although in her early twenties she regularly deals at board level and is valued for her all round experience, efficiency and pleasant manner.

She attends a lot of festivals and is usually easily spotted in her Gucci wellies, Prada shades and Victoria Wine carrier bag.

Janice Kelly – Artiste Liaison

Janice gets things done. No messing, efficient courteous service at all times and loyal beyond belief to the hireaband cause. She has a soft spot for her entertainers though and works incredibly hard to make sure that each event goes smoothly for everyone concerned. Two things though, never ever say “chop chop” and never interfere with Broxi bear.

Heather Stewart – Administration

Heather is the baby of the company and has been with us straight from graduation. She keeps us all in line and is superbly efficient with all things officey. Heather will generally be the first point of contact with hireaband and has a famously pleasant telephone manner which has lead to more than a few proposals of marriage! She knows where everything is so if you are one of our competitors and you want to close us down – kidnap Heather! But beware, she’s from Ayrshire and does not take prisoners.

Karen Robertson – Client Liaison

We first came in to contact with Karen when she used hireaband to arrange her own wedding entertainment. She was so impressed she joined the company! She brings a calm and confident manner to the business and because she is still fairly new to us spends a lot of her time wondering what she’s gotten herself in to. She has quickly become an invaluable member of the team and we’re glad she came to us in the first place. Her only weakness – she gets very seasick – a fact she only discovered on honeymoon – cruising around Hawaii!