 W17, Northampton's fastest growing event management company, has celebrated a highly successful two years in business by moving into prestigious new offices in Cheyne Walk.
Owner and Managing Director Julia Watson admits that even she is surprised with the runaway success the company has enjoyed since being formed in early 2004. "I've been managing events for over 14 years, and set up W17 because I spotted a need within the market for a highly professional event management company that could offer a really personal service.
During my years on the other side of the fence as a buyer, I felt let down time and time again by mediocre service, run of the mill proposals and by being handed over to junior executives once the sales pitch was over."
When asked what sets W17 aside from their competitors, Julia is unequivocal - "Detail, detail, detail" she says. "Lots of companies can deliver an 'OK' event - by considering every little detail, W17 delivers outstanding events again and again. For example, at a recent gala event a client had an accident with her dress strap breaking. We jumped right in to sort the problem out within minutes."
This type of service has resulted in W17 picking up a stream of prestigious clients such as Cosworth, Explore Northamptonshire and ACS Office Solutions to name but three, and she has even organised a testimonial dinner for Saints player Paul Grayson. Julia says that one of her most exciting contracts was organising a fireworks display for Explore Northamptonshire. "Outside events bring their own special challenges - and obviously when fireworks are involved, Health and Safety must be the utmost priority. I have to admit to being very proud of the end result, everything went without a hitch, with the event attracting 13,000 people."
This kind of success resulted in the need for larger offices and an expansion in work force. W17 moved into Cheyne Walk in Northampton city centre earlier this year and at the same time Tracey Holt joined the company, bringing great experience in the customer care side of event management.
Julia plans to build on her success through the coming year, developing her client base and specialising in conferences, gala dinners and exhibitions. "By running my own company, there are no big company politics to worry about - I can make decisions based purely on whether they are for the good of my clients. If business continues to grow at the speed it has in the last couple of years, my biggest challenge will be fitting in a holiday!"
Visit www.w17ltd.co.uk or call 01604 621155 for further details. |
