Corporate Events Plus

Well the week has started in an interesting way – the boiler decided to explode! Flooded the downstairs office and toilet! We’ve been paddling around on the water logged carpets but fortunately no serious damage. It’s been a fun start to the week.

We’ve been going through a very protracted tendering process for a client. Believe it or not a five stage qualifying process for what is only a small job. If we cost in the tender process we won’t make money on it but I think we want to show willing. Note to self – invite some of the procurement people who don’t seem to get a lot of opportunities to leave their desks to come down to one of the events or conferences we are setting up. I think it would be good for them to see how much effort goes in to ensuring everything works well, looks good and runs smoothly and I think they’d enjoy seeing it.

Been for a reccie with a client to the Grove in Watford; that’s a nice hotel. We’ve got an event there at the end of the month. It was nice to get some good positive feedback from the client on the last job we did for them too. I’m keen to debrief at the end of each job but it is difficult to arrange on a formal basis with the client. If everything has gone well then it’s hard for clients to find the time.

Wednesday. The end of a long day. We didn’t get that job that we were jumping through hoops for and I don’t know what to think about it. After a five stage process and several presentations we were amongst the last two companies in the frame and we lost because the other people (don’t know who they are) were 40% cheaper! 40%!!! I can’t believe it. We’ve checked and re-checked. We know that no one supplier owns all of the outdoor events activities they wanted so whoever does the job will have the cost of bringing those in from a number of sources. What else is there that could make such a difference? It’s not as though we’re operating from expensive offices. Mind you someone did say that people are prepared to bring in casual untrained labour to operate and pay them cash on the day. We won’t be going that route. Too much is riding on it – literally!

Another long day! This time mainly going through stuff with solicitors on the new lease for the building. So now I’m off to the pub for a pint before dinner. I reckon I deserve one. It’s surprising how long it all takes but it’s good to get the house-keeping done while it’s not so busy.

Better news today. We’ve been appointed official suppliers to another international financial corporation. It’s a good step to get the official seal of approval from procurement!