About Contraband
Archie has a skill for spotting the next big thing and with this in mind, jumped on the back of Madonna's 'Frozen' video and began selling home henna kits. As a professional henna artist and director of the most successful online mail order henna company in the world - Henna Crazy - Archie had worked at over 400 corporate events, festivals and private parties, meeting many other performers. Clients who were impressed with Archie's skill and professionalism began to ask her if she could source other acts and so, using the network of performers she had built relationships with, she took the bold step of starting her own entertainment agency. In 2003 Contraband became the one-stop entertainment shop we know it as today.
From home, to a small office, to a top floor office with a view; Contraband has grown from strength to strength. Employing office staff from a wide range of backgrounds, all with fabulous people skills, Contraband now boasts a roster of about 1,500 performers and has built up an impressive client list. Its not just Archie who spots the next big thing now - there's a team of us and we pride ourselves in offering many innovative and new ideas to our clients.
From your initial enquiry to post event analysis, our friendly and helpful staff are on hand to answer all of your technical, financial and logistical questions. Our efficient administration and can-do attitude win as much acclaim as our world-class performers.
Whether you are an international business with untold millions to spend, or a young couple wanting to make their wedding day even more special, we will treat your enquiry with equal dedication, speed and fairness. It's this kind of approach that causes clients to return again and again - and tell their friends!
Our Staff
At Contraband, we aim to offer an efficient, fast and friendly service. All of our staff are highly trained and will welcome you with a smile!
Archie Archer - Managing Director
Archie Archer not only has the coolest name in the world, but also the coolest job as Director of Contraband International. Born from a bedroom in North London, Contraband starting out as a henna company through which Archie sold henna products (www.hennacrazy.com) and hired out henna artists for events. With over 14 years of experience as a professional henna artist, it was whilst working throughout Europe and the UK that people asked her if she knew a belly dancer, a drummer, a Bollywood dancer etc etc. Et Voila!
Today looking after a staff of seven, a roster of over 1000 performers and a client list as long as The Nile, Archie is a multi-tasking extraordinaire, a great sales woman, a believer in being nice to everyone and is also pretty good at pool!
James Creedy - Senior Account Manager
James has always had a keen interest in the entertainment industry, especially after a brief appearance (of one ankle) in the BAFTA nominated film, 'Last Orders'. He then jumped at the opportunity when offered a position as an agent at Peter Johnson Entertainments, the largest outdoor entertainment agency in the UK.
The invaluable experience gained from working with Peter Johnson's 41 year-old agency has given James expertise and great knowledge of artist management and the international world of entertainment. Specialising in outdoor arena and corporate entertainment, James's clients have included Pfizers, BBC, Brocket Hall, Hilton Group, Glaxo Smith Kline, BAE Systems and Eurotunnel.
Charlie - Office Manager
Charlie spent seven years managing in the retail sector in Winchester and when offered a job with Contraband jumped at the chance of a change of pace and a move up to London and away from the sleepy lights of Winchester! Working in retail management has given her the perfect experience in helping to keep the busy environment of the Contraband offices organised, along with all of the other members of this excellent team.
Abbi Barham - Senior Account Manager
Abbi has 8 years of events and music industry experience. Starting out by running her own club nights Abbi then took an Event Management and Music Business Degree and has since worked in PR and marketing in the music industry, dabbled in festival management and for four years (on and off) has worked at Contraband.
Currently working with waistband firmly hoisted high as the Mrs Simon Cowell of the office.
Lauren Johns - Account Manager
After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting, Lauren began a varied career with job titles including Account Manager at a corporate PR agency and Label and Artist Manager at an independent record label. With a real passion for working with artists and performers and strong corporate client experience, Lauren has found an ideal role within the Contraband family!
Stacey Dore - Account Manager
Stacey trained at the prestigious Ballet Rambert School in pursuit of her dream of becoming a professional dancer. In a nutshell, after graduating, Stacey learned to sing, act, worked with many dance companies, taught, choreographed, appeared in a few West End Musicals and toured and lived in Europe. She then decided that her 10 year old dance shoes had served her well and it was time to hang up her tights and get a ‘real’ job where she could remain in The Business.
Rachel - Webmaster
Rachel is currently studying Travel and Tourism in Canterbury, and first came to Contraband on her work placement. Now she’s back with Contraband and very happy in her new found role. On completion of her course this year Rachel is hoping to gain experience from the events and entertainment industry and work towards becoming an event organiser, with the dream of one day becoming a wedding planner. Watch this space!
Russel Whelan-Smith - IT Manager
Dynamic, charismatic IT specialist has been pretending to know how to fix computers for more years than he cares to remember. He hopes one day to have earned enough money to be able to get a life.
Katrina - Temporary Webmaster
Katrina is one of our new lovely team of work experience people!
After completing her Princes Trust Course in Enterprise, Katrina is even more enthusiastic about persuing her career in the events and entertainment industry. Aspiring to work her way up to become an Events Organiser. Katrina would like to say thank you for the opportunity to work with such an amazing company and is loving the whole team at Contraband! ...but watch out don’t let the blonde hair fool you!
Radoslava - Temporary Webmaster
Radoslava is one of our new lovely team of work experience people!
Radoslava is originally from Bulgaria. After finishing her Bachelor degree in Management and Economics in Germany she went back to Bulgaria to work in finance. After 3 months she decided to change her field completely and moved to England to continue her studies with an MA degree in Events Marketing Management and to pursue a career in the UK events industry.
Till - Temporary Webmaster
Till is one of our new lovely team of work experience people!
Till is from Germany and is studying BA Social Science and Media Studies at the University of Siegen. He is keen to work within the events industry, and is currently enjoying being in London and working on his English!