Entertainment and talent management agency Matchstick has announced two initiatives set to redefine welfare and financial fairness in the creator and entertainment industries.

Self-employed creators, celebrities and influencers will be able to access paid parental leave, thanks to Matchstick’s new Maternity & Paternity Policy.

Matchstick Parental Policy: A New Standard for Self-Employed Talent

Launching this November, Matchstick’s Paid Parental Policy offers up to £5,000 per month for two months (£10,000 total) to Matchstick-signed talent who are expecting a child - either personally or through a partner.

This policy is:

• Fully funded by Matchstick, not insurance or external sponsorship
• Rooted in a People Before Profit ethos - care as a baseline, not a benefit
• Designed to let creators step back without losing stability, relevance or dignity

Early & Advance Payment Schemes: Fixing the Industry’s Cash Flow Problem

Matchstick has also introduced Early & Advance Payment Schemes - tackling one of the creator economy’s most persistent challenges: slow and unpredictable payments.

• Early Payments: Talent can request payment as soon as a campaign concludes - before invoicing.
• Advance Payments: Talent can access payment the day a contract is signed - before delivering the work.