Slow Payment and Risk to Booking

Hi LD,
Please find attached a revised invoice addressed to Brunning and Price Limited, now including the organisation name, address, and postcode. I have also added a note to the invoice: “Payment required to secure artist availability on 31/12/2025.”
I would like to politely draw attention to the fact that my original invoice, sent on 2nd November, was not acknowledged, and the 30-day payment policy was never mentioned to me—either in writing or during my phone call with you on Tuesday. I regret that I cannot commit to this or any booking without receiving full payment in advance.
I have not included a due date on this invoice, as payment is necessary to confirm the artist’s availability for the requested date. Please note that both enquiries are still active, and bookings will be secured on a first-payment basis. To manage my schedule and prior commitments, if the other client pays first, I may no longer be available for 31/12/2025, which could affect this booking. I hope you appreciate that, in live performance work, time-sensitive matters like these are unavoidable and require prompt action to secure specific dates.
I look forward to receiving payment so that this booking can be fully secured.
Thanks,
RD

Title
Slow Payment and Risk to Booking

Description
The artist’s payment for the NYE 2025 booking at The Highdown Hotel was delayed due to administrative onboarding issues. Despite invoices and supplier forms being sent in advance, the hotel accounts department reported non-response from the artist. The delay created a risk that the booking could be lost, as the artist had other offers for the same date and required upfront payment to secure the booking. Miscommunication between the venue, LMM, and the artist compounded the delay.

Action Taken
Artist repeatedly sent invoices and completed the supplier form.
Followed up via email and phone calls to confirm receipt and clarify payment details.
Communicated with LMM to escalate and ensure the booking was secured.

Resolutions
Payment of £[amount] was received 02/12/2025.
Booking was confirmed and marked as contracted on all systems.
Artist was able to prepare for and perform the event as planned.

Notes Comments
At one point, the hotel incorrectly stated that the artist was not responding; this was clarified immediately by the artist.
The delay highlights the importance of clear communication and confirmation of supplier onboarding for timely payment.
The situation underscores that without proactive follow-ups, misunderstandings could have resulted in losing the booking.

Reported
Reported Date: 01/01/2026
Reported By (Individual): RD
Reported By (Organisation): R

INDIVIDUALS

Involved, Responsive, B, Accounts
Involved in payments processes.

Involved, Responsive, C, Accounts
Involved in payments processes.

Responsible, Passive, HSS, Client
Away and didn't relay messages regarding the urgency of the invoice.

Involved, Active, LD, Accounts
Orchestrated the final payment.

Impacted, Active, RD, Artist
Sent multiple invoices, filled in supplier form and phoned venue to confirm payment.

Involved, Active, SJM, Agent
Helped expedite payment by noting booking fee was paid up front.

ORGANISATIONS

LMM
Agent overseeing booking.

THHG
Venue and client.

READ MORE...

This incident was triggered by the following developments...
Implementation of Up-Front Payments for Employment Agency Contracts (2025)