Destination management organisation (DMO), Destination Coventry, has launched a new membership to support suppliers to the conference, exhibition and business event industry.
The new membership aims to ensure a strong regional supply chain for venues and event organisers.
Live event solution provider Creative Events Spaces, caterer Miss Ellie’s of Coventry and immersive environment creator Vortex Creates, are three of the businesses to sign-up to the new supplier membership.
Paul Jones, managing director of Destination Coventry, said: “The struggles that venues faced during the pandemic have been widely documented, but suppliers to the industry have had to overcome significant challenges as well.
“We have an incredible network of regional suppliers in Coventry and Warwickshire, and they have a lot to offer to the venues and event organisers in our region.”
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Regional skillsets
Around 75% of Creative Events Spaces’ business, which is based in Fillongley, is in exhibitions. It built the last exhibition in the UK in March 2020 and has built 45 shows so far this year.
Simon Clifton, owner of Creative Event Spaces, says the biggest challenge to its growth is resources and the labour market – but is seeking to tap into regional skillsets.
“We work in venues regionally and nationally, but it is cost efficient to work here in the Midlands. We have great skills in the region and many talented builders and carpenters. We source our carpets from Coventry and our electrical supplier is in Kenilworth.
“It’s a challenging marketplace and those regional relationships are very important as we look to facilitate our growth.”
Major events
Miss Ellie’s of Coventry, benefitted from major events coming to the region and is looking to build on those foundations. The business came through the pandemic due to work with Coventry City of Culture 2021 and has delivered more than 70 events this year.
“Coventry 2021 was huge for us but now we’re looking to expand our inclusive eating and catering services into more conferencing,” said Ellie McCann, founder, Miss Ellie’s of Coventry.
Regional market
Vortex Creates is a Coventry-based organisation which specialises in transforming spaces.
Marianne Taviner, co-founder of Vortex Creates, says the regional market is very important as the sector seeks to rebuild.
“The sector was hit hard in the pandemic and, ultimately, many of our established clients aren’t looking to do celebrations in the same way as they had before,” she said.
“In 2020, 55% of our business was corporate. Thanks to emergency government funding, we were able to navigate the financial implications of the pandemic and reflect on our business model and client offer.
“The regional market is still going to be very important. We will travel if we have to, but we think there should be more than enough work here in Coventry and Warwickshire to satisfy our immediate growth plans.”
Destination Coventry launched in December 2021 and incorporates Visit Coventry and Conference Coventry & Warwickshire.
