Yorkshire-based Nidderdale DJ Services is available for hire for corporate and private events. With a deep love for the profession, the man behind the decks tells us all about the life of a wedding and event DJ, along with his expert tips for hiring the perfect DJ for your event.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to provide a comprehensive quotation, and to ensure no additional charges, we need to know the following information. What is the event type? What's the date and the duration? Finally, how many guests are anticipated? We would also require venue details, along with a contact name and number, to enable us to check the venue to ensure the equipment we take is fit for purpose.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I could write a book about this as it's something I feel very strongly about.

Always book a full-time professional DJ. You wouldn't trust someone who sewed for a bit of extra weekend cash to make your wedding dress; so don't do the same for a DJ. Pay a deposit and get a signed contract. I regularly get calls from distraught people saying they've been let down by the DJ, which normally means the DJ's got a better paying gig. Pay a deposit and get a signed contract. Are they legal? Check they have Public Liability and that their equipment is PAT tested (this is not a legal requirement but many venues request it). Who are you actually booking? Ensure the person you're dealing with is the company that's working at your event. Some companies will simply take your deposit and pass the booking on. Ask them so you can make an informed decision. Do some research. Just about every DJ will have a Facebook page or account, check them out, you may be surprised what you find.

If your birthday is in December or you want a winter wonderland wedding, book your DJ (and venue) as early as you can, as most reputable DJ's (and venues) will be booked up well in advance of December. If you follow these tips you should have a great DJ and a great evening. Finally: don't panic! If you are let down by a DJ, there are loads of us out there and someone will certainly be able to step in.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

I started DJing at the tender age of 14 at my local youth club, mainly because I was the person with the most records (yes I am that old), and I fell in love with DJing there and then. Unlike many DJs I was actually trained by an ex BBC radio presenter. I spent every waking hour honing my skills, from playlist compiling and perfecting mixing, through to microphone technique and presenting. While I have worked in bars, club and hotels for over two decades this has been through other DJ's or agents. In 2007, I set up a Leeds-based events company called Phaze Events with my brother. In 2014 I moved to Pateley Bridge in the heart of North Yorkshire and decided to set up Nidderdale DJ Services.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

I have had great success through Add to Event. One booking was for a couple to renew their wedding vows. However this was not your ordinary booking as the venue was an American Air Base and the couple wanted jazz to be played throughout the meal. Having local knowledge, along with a vast back catalogue of music, I contacted them. I explained I was local, familiar with the venue and had an understanding of jazz. Although they had already booked me I still arranged to meet them to go through everything to put their minds to rest. Since starting I have received regular emails advising me of events needing a DJ.
I am signed up to other, more costly, websites than Add to Event and I haven't won any bookings what-so-ever. I would certainly recommend Add to Event to others as the best online platform. I was recommended Add to Event by another DJ who also uses it.