If you’re planning a corporate event in London and need sound, one of the first things you want to know is how much it’s going to cost. That’s a fair question and we’re going to answer it directly.
The honest answer is that PA hire prices vary quite a bit depending on the size of your event, how long you need the kit for, and whether you want an engineer on site. But we can give you a realistic range so you know what to expect before you call anyone.
The short version: what does it actually cost?
Here’s a rough guide based on event size. These are real working ranges, not teaser prices designed to get you on the phone.
| Event size | Typical setup | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Up to 50 people | Compact speakers, basic mixer, mic | From £200 to £350 |
| Medium 50 to 200 people | Main speakers, mixer, 2 to 4 mics, monitor | £350 to £800 |
| Large 200 to 500 people | Line array or larger system, full mixing setup, multiple mics | £800 to £2,000+ |
These figures cover equipment hire. Delivery, setup and collection costs can vary depending on the job, so it’s always worth asking about that upfront when you get a quote.
What actually affects the price?
Three things move the needle more than anything else.
The size of the room and how many people are attending
A boardroom for 20 people needs a very different setup to a conference hall holding 300. More coverage means more speakers, more cabling and more time to set up properly. The room itself matters too. A room with hard walls and high ceilings needs a system that handles reflections. A marquee or outdoor space needs something powerful enough to project clearly without walls to help.
How long you need it for
Most corporate events run for a single day or an evening. But if you need the equipment for a two day conference or a roadshow across multiple sessions, that affects the price. Setup and breakdown time also counts. A complex rig might need two to three hours to install properly, and that time has to be factored in.
Whether you want an engineer on site
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. A managed PA hire means one of our engineers sets everything up, runs the sound during your event and packs everything down at the end. You don’t have to touch anything or worry about something going wrong mid-presentation.
Self-managed hire is cheaper but it puts the responsibility on you or someone on your team. For a simple setup like a single mic and a speaker at a small internal meeting, that’s often fine. For anything more complex, having an engineer there is usually worth the extra cost.
What about delivery and setup?
This is where quotes can look cheaper than they are, so it’s worth paying attention. Some companies quote for kit only and add delivery, setup and collection as extras. We’re based in Hanwell, West London, so for events nearby, logistics costs are low and sometimes included. For events further out across London or into surrounding counties, it depends on the job. We’ll always be clear about this when we quote.
Quick tip: Always ask whether the price you’re quoted includes delivery, setup and breakdown. If it doesn’t, get those costs confirmed before you commit. A low equipment price with high add-ons isn’t always the best deal.
Does the type of event change the price?
Yes, slightly. A standard corporate conference with a panel of speakers and a Q&A session is a relatively straightforward job. Pricing gets more complex when you add things like:
Multiple breakout rooms that each need their own audio setup. Presentations synced with video or a live stream. Background music between sessions. A hybrid event where remote attendees also need to hear everything clearly.
None of these things are unusual for a London corporate event and we handle them regularly. But they do add to the overall setup and that’s reflected in the quote.
What do you get from PA Systems Hire?
We’ve been doing this for over ten years and we work with corporate clients across London and the surrounding area. When you hire from us you get professional equipment that’s properly maintained and tested before every job. You also get people who know how to set it up so it sounds good, not just technically functional.
We’re based in West London which means we’re well placed for events in the City, Canary Wharf, Kensington, and everywhere in between. We also cover Surrey, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and beyond.
So what should I budget?
For a typical London corporate event with 50 to 150 attendees, a managed PA hire including setup, an on-site engineer and collection will usually sit between £400 and £900 depending on the specifics. Smaller events come in lower, larger or more complex events go higher.
The best thing to do is tell us about your event and we’ll give you a straight quote. No obligation, no vague estimates.
