- Client: Breakneck Comedy
- Sector: Entertainment
- Location: Aberdeen
background
Breakneck Comedy is one of Aberdeen’s leading live entertainment providers, known for hosting stand-up comedy shows that spotlight both emerging and established talent. With a reputation for high-energy events and a strong local following, the company has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a full-fledged production house managing multiple weekly gigs, festivals, and special events across Scotland.
As the business expanded, Breakneck Comedy recognised the need to formalise its employment practices and approached us to implement clear, legally compliant contracts for all staff—laying the groundwork for continued growth and operational stability.
Challenges
1. Lack of Formal Employment Contracts
Staff were working under informal verbal agreements, causing confusion regarding job roles, pay, and working hours. This posed legal and operational risks.
2. Managing a Mixed Workforce
With a blend of full-time, part-time, and freelance staff, standardising contracts proved challenging, particularly in balancing the rights and responsibilities across employee types.
3. Growth Without Scalable HR Framework
The absence of structured HR practices made it difficult to manage a growing workforce and posed risks related to underperformance and unclear terms.
4. Performance and Payment Clarity
Without written agreements, there was ongoing confusion over gig payments, rehearsal compensation, and travel reimbursements, affecting staff morale.
Solutions
1. Tailored Employment Contracts for All Staff
We created customised contracts for full-time, part-time, and freelance performers, clearly outlining terms such as working hours, responsibilities, payment, expenses, and IP rights. Contracts included confidentiality clauses, dispute resolution terms, and termination procedures.
2. Clear Payment and Performance Structures
A fixed payment structure for performances was introduced, along with clear expectations for roles, travel, and accommodation, ensuring consistency and transparency.
3. Contract Flexibility and Professional Growth
Contracts were designed to grow with the company, incorporating review points and scalable terms to support future expansion.
4. Staff Onboarding and Training on Contractual Rights
We supported Breakneck Comedy with onboarding materials and training sessions to help staff understand their new contracts and legal rights.
Results
1. Formal Contracts Delivered in 3 Weeks
Breakneck Comedy was brought in line with employment law best practices swiftly, reducing legal exposure
2. Boosted Staff Morale and Retention
Clear roles, pay structures, and benefits helped improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Enhanced Legal Compliance
Contracts addressed legal obligations related to pay, working conditions, and IP rights, strengthening the company’s compliance posture.
4. Stronger Business Structure
The company can now scale confidently with a solid HR foundation supporting both performers and operational staff.
5. Improved Performance Management
With roles and expectations clearly defined, Breakneck Comedy reported enhanced consistency and quality in performance delivery.
Ed Ed you da man, you can do it when no one can!
