TryBooking UK Company Profile

Background

Overview

TryBooking UK is an online event ticketing and management platform that empowers event organisers across various sectors—including education, charities, business, government, and the arts—to create, promote, and manage events efficiently. Established in the UK in 2014, the company has been dedicated to supporting community event organisers with a flexible and affordable platform.

Mission and Vision

TryBooking UK's mission is to support community event organisers across the UK by providing a powerful, flexible platform that addresses their event ticketing needs. The company aims to offer award-winning customer service while maintaining a cost-effective solution for both free and paid events.

Industry Significance

Operating within the event management and ticketing industry, TryBooking UK has become a trusted partner for thousands of event organisers. The platform's user-friendly interface and comprehensive features have made it a preferred choice for managing events of all sizes.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

TryBooking UK focuses on delivering an accessible and affordable event management solution that simplifies the complexities of event planning and ticketing. The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to meet the evolving needs of event organisers.

Areas of Specialisation

The platform caters to a diverse range of events, including concerts, fundraisers, sports camps, parent-teacher meetings, open days, school trips, exam papers, courses, and conferences. Its versatility allows it to serve various sectors effectively.

Key Technologies Utilised

TryBooking UK employs a cloud-based solution that integrates seamlessly with existing software systems. This approach ensures scalability, reliability, and ease of use for event organisers.

Primary Markets Targeted

The company primarily serves the UK market, focusing on community-based organisations such as schools, charities, and local businesses. Its platform is designed to accommodate events of varying scales, from small community gatherings to large-scale conferences.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of May 2012, TryBooking has raised $62 million from investors, including Balderton Capital, Wellington Partners, and Ekstranda.

Utilisation of Capital

The capital raised has been utilised to enhance the platform's features, expand market reach, and improve customer support services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

TryBooking UK offers a comprehensive suite of tools for event management, including customisable event pages, seating plans, multiple ticket types, and integrated payment processing. The platform also provides real-time reporting and analytics to help organisers monitor event performance.

Scientific Methodologies

The platform employs data encryption and complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to ensure secure handling of payment information. Additionally, it adheres to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) to protect user data privacy.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Joan Lind – Managing Director: With over 20 years of experience in the global advertising and marketing industry, Joan has led TryBooking UK since 2014.

Henry Calvert – Executive Director: Bringing over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Henry oversees IT and finance operations.

Kathryn Hulse – General Manager: Involved with TryBooking since 2016, Kathryn supports the business across marketing, customer service, and finance.

Nicola Hurst – Business Development Manager: Joining the team in 2022, Nicola leads business development, supporting clients at the beginning of their TryBooking journey.

Alex Ashley – Marketing & Digital Projects: Alex works part-time alongside his university studies to deliver marketing and technical projects.

Jules Poslethwaite – Customer Services: Part of the Customer Service team since 2020, Jules supports clients with their ticketing queries.

Sheila Dobrovics – Customer Services: Sheila has been part of the team since 2023, supporting clients with their event setup.

Jeff McAlister – Director: With over 20 years in e-commerce, including roles at Betfair and POLi Payments, Jeff joined TryBooking in 2015.

Brian Mills – VP Engineering: A technology leader creating online applications for nearly 20 years.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The event ticketing industry in the UK is competitive, with several players offering similar services. The market is characterised by a demand for user-friendly platforms that offer comprehensive features at competitive prices.

Competitor Analysis

Eventbrite: A global event management and ticketing platform known for its extensive features and integrations.

Humanitix: An ethical ticketing platform that donates 100% of profits to charity, offering features like express checkout and seating maps.

Ticketbooth Pty. Ltd.: An Australian-based ticketing platform that competes in the internet software space.

TEG: A company operating in the software, internet, and computer services space, generating significant revenue.

Local Tickets: A ticketing platform headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, focusing on internet software.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TryBooking UK collaborates with various third-party service providers to enhance its platform's functionality. These include payment services like Stripe Inc., Barclays Bank UK PLC, PayPal, and Braintree; communication tools such as Zendesk, Inc.; and analytics services like Google Analytics.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

TryBooking UK's competitive advantages include its user-friendly interface, comprehensive feature set, and commitment to customer support. The platform's affordability and flexibility make it an attractive option for event organisers seeking a reliable ticketing solution.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

TryBooking UK aims to continue enhancing its platform by introducing new features and integrations that address the evolving needs of event organisers. The company is also focused on expanding its market reach within the UK.

Opportunities for Expansion

Potential areas for growth include partnerships with additional third-party service providers, development of mobile applications to improve user experience, and exploration of new market segments within the event management industry.

Positioning for Future Objectives

By leveraging its current strengths—such as a robust platform, dedicated customer support, and a strong market presence—TryBooking UK is well-positioned to achieve its future objectives and maintain its competitive edge in the industry.