How to Become an Escort in the UK
So you’re thinking of becoming an escort in the UK. Congratulations, you are by no means alone. A 2016 study estimated that there were already 70,000 sex workers of different ilk actively offering their services in the UK. At the time, the average weekly earnings of these individuals was £2,000. Not surprisingly, escorting and the sex trade at large, is an attractive potential, whether full-time or as a part-time revenue stream.
What is an escort?
Escorts are professional companions. By this, it is meant that an escort provides an agreed-upon timeframe dedicated to the needs of the client. The transfer of funds between clients and the escort is for the purpose of entertainment and companionship. And while there is often a sexual or erotic element to these sessions, that is not a requisite and is the product of an agreement between consenting adults.
Is Escorting Legal in the UK?
This is covered more extensively in other articles, but the short answer is that as per the Sexual Offences Act 2003, prostitution itself is not illegal. Prostitution itself is defined as an individual who offers or gives sexual services to another in exchange for financial gain. And while escorting and prostitution are not synonyms, it is important to understand the related activities that are illegal in the UK. These are:
- Pimping, which is generally defined as the controlling of prostitutes and taking part of their earnings in return.
- Running a brothel. It is important to note that there is no statutory definition of a brothel, but that does not stop authorities from pursuing charges if they suspect one is being active.
- Kerb crawling, or the solicitation of sexual services while in public.
- Promotion of sexual services in public such as by the placement of business cards or flyers.
- The Engagement in sexual activity in a public place.
What Are My First Steps to Becoming an Escort
If you are considering becoming a UK escort, there are a few considerations that you should answer. First, amongst these are what type of escort services are you comfortable with? In a world where the clientèle are looking for anything from an intelligent high-end Aphrodite to accompany them to a business function, to those looking for a quick lunch break romp or a professional in a latex suit and riding crop whose boots they will lick, you must define yourself.
Once you have decided on the part of the escort market you wish to target, the next step would be to develop the professional image you wish to present. As a component of this, it is recommended that you do not use your given legal name. If you wish to have a defined differentiation between your personal and professional life, creating a professional name is a must.
Remember that escorting, and the sex work sector in general, is largely fuelled by fantasy. It is not surprising that one of the most popular role-play requests is the GFE, Girlfriend Experience, where the escort typically pretends to be in an overly sexualised natural relationship with the client. Therefore, items such as your professional name, profile pictures, and profile content should play to the fantasies that you are attempting to cater to.
Now it’s time to get out there and offer your services. This does not mean kerb-crawling, which is illegal. Rather this refers to promotion. As placing flyers and business cards in public is illegal, the most direct method of making your services known is on the internet, where supply meets demand. Still, there is one major question that we have not yet addressed.
Agency vs. Independent Escorts
Some escorts choose to work with an agency while others prefer to work independently. So what are the benefits and disadvantages of each?
Escort Agencies
Escort agencies are establishments that manage escorts under contract. They are popular with escorts because they take care of many of the administrative tasks that professional escorts may not specialise in or be able to manage independently. For example, escort agencies often provide professional photographers with quality glamour shots to be used in promotions and an escort’s profile. These agencies typically manage the marketing, client bookings, transportation, and security aspects, allowing the escort to focus on providing their services. This is a great benefit which explains the popularity of these organisations. However, like most management firms, there is a premium that is paid by the client; in this case, the escort. This is a primary reason that some escorts prefer to work independently.
Independent Escorts
For some escorts, typically not those just entering the field, operating as an independent is a better fit for what they are attempting to accomplish. Being independent means more flexibility in terms of bookings and hours of operation. It allows for more freedom of choice relating to the escort’s business. And without the agency fees, the escort collects all the funds from the clients’ bookings. This financial benefit does have its associated drawbacks. Independent escorts are responsible for their own promotion and marketing, taking their own bookings, the transport, and importantly, their own safety and security.
Tips
Here are 4 tips to keep in mind when looking into becoming a service provider in the UK sex industry:
- Stay safe
There are a lot of people that you will meet in the sex industry. Most will be looking to fulfil a fantasy and experience pleasure. Still, it is important to realise that as with all walks of life, there are exceptions. Sex work is especially susceptible to those with bad intentions due to the prevalence of private and intimate settings. Ensure that you are comfortable with the client and situation.
- Promotion
Luckily, promotion has become easier with the advent of escort directories such as Cupid Escorts, which lists both independent and agency escort talent. Well-respected directories post your profile and work to match you with a client interested in your services.
- Responsibilities
It is rare that an escort is not self-employed, including those with agency representation. Like any independent professional, there are associated responsibilities. The most obvious among these is the filing of taxes. The last thing anyone needs is to tangle with HMRC over tax avoidance. Ensure that you run your escorting career as a professional in all relevant manners.
- Consider joining an advocacy group
There are many sex worker advocacy groups operating in the UK. They both represent your interests as a professional, but are also a great resource should you have questions. Chief amongst these groups is SWARM (Sex Workers Advocacy and Resistance Movement).