Skiddle is one of those unusual businesses that doesn’t have a single managing director heading up the operation. Rather, Skiddle’s two co-founding directors have taken joint responsibility for business decisions since 2001. After 14 years at the heart of the live events industry both Ben and Rich continue to take an active role in the sector as well as the day to day management and development of Skiddle. It’s amazing they’re still talking to each other! We sat down with the two to discuss Skiddle’s growth and everything in-between.
So guys, tell us a bit about Skiddle. Why did you launch the company back in 2001?
Rich: We actually set Skiddle up while we were studying because we wanted some ‘what’s on’ guides but there weren’t any to be found, so we set one up instead! From day one we knew it could turn into something much bigger, but fundamentally we saw a need for it and built the company out ever since.
How far has Skiddle come since its early days?
Ben: We knew we were the part of something special when we started Skiddle, but it’s grown to something we’d never imagined (in a good way!). Since our humble beginnings, we’ve sold over 10 million tickets, had over 2.3 million happy customers and have had the pleasure of selling for big names like Creamfields, Live Nation, Warehouse Project and even Rod Stewart! It’s by no means been an easy feat, but we’re very excited to see where else Skiddle can go.
Rich: I like to define our timeline by the Skiddle bus because it stands for what we’re all about. In 2010, we bought a double decker bus and completely re-designed it into a mobile workspace with a fridge, TV, sound system and all. That bus has seen us through some good times — we’ve expanded from a small team from just Ben and I back in 2001, to touring with the bus to Glastonbury, Parklife, Kendal Calling and more.
What do you think has been the reason for the company’s success?
Ben: We’ve built Skiddle on a core ethos of fairness, and we try to live by this in all aspects; fairness to customers/promoters as well as fairness amongst our staff. I think that’s something that’s set us apart from our competitors. We’re not corporate, we don’t put on unnecessary airs and graces, but we’re focused on giving customers a smooth experience so they can enjoy the music that matters to them the most.
Rich: The majority of the team at Skiddle are all DJs, former promoters and booking agents so we know the market better than anyone else. After working as a promoter for a number of years alongside Skiddle, in 2017 I launched my own music festival in Lancashire [Highest Point] alongside two of my colleagues at Skiddle [Holly Wignall, Jamie Scahill]. We’ve ‘been there, done that’ so we can effectively tailor Skiddle’s services to what people actually need rather than what outsiders think they need.
Well thank you guys for that great insight, and wishing Skiddle all the best in the future!
Ben & Rich: Thanks!
About Skiddle
Skiddle is currently the UK’s biggest What’s On guide, providing a free facility for event promoters across the UK to list their events online and sell tickets through our independent ticketing service. We currently work with over 35,000 UK and European promoters, at over 30,000 venues. We specialise in helping events through that critical growing phase by providing the marketing and technology support that you need. Start listing your events today!
